In general, long flights are considered those that last 8 hours or more, while those that exceed the grueling 16 hours are nicknamed ultra-long. Currently, longer non-stop commercial flights include New York to Singapore (18 hours and 50 minutes; 15,330 kilometers) and Perth, Australia, to London (17 hours and 45 minutes; 14,500 kilometers).
As if that were not enough, the Australian airline Qantas Airwaysthe national airline of the oceanic country, plans to operate two even longer direct flights in 2025: from Sydney to London and Sydney to New York (both routes will take up to 20 hours). For any traveler, flying at 10,000 meters above sea level for an extended period presents its own challenges, including little room to move and changes in time zones.
Although extremely long plane trips will never be a comfortable experience, there are some suggestions that you can take before, during and after the flight. “Instead of taking it as a long period in a confined space with no escape, I think of it as a long uninterrupted time without responsibilities in which I cannot be contacted. “It’s so rare to have that,” he said. Jennifer Bagnalla communications executive who frequently flies between her home in Los Angeles and Sydney, told The New York Times.
“Carry-on luggage must have everything you need. In addition to the items you’ll use for entertainment, think ahead about what will help you feel most comfortable. Packing a change of clothes, as well as a toothbrush and toothpaste will be very useful to make you feel fresher during your tour. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and a pair of compression stockings to combat swollen feet due to many hours with little physical activity,” recommended the North American executive.
As for clothing, many travelers agree that one of the most comfortable items of clothing for this type of trip are “hoodie”, that is, a hooded sweatshirt. The design of this clothing model keeps you warm, covers your ears and eyes, creating your own personal atmosphere. As essential accessories, noise-canceling masks and headphones are necessary because they can reduce lighting and help reduce airplane noise.
When it comes to sleeping, some passengers consider melatonin supplements to be must-have items, although a travel pillow like the Trtl Pillow, which provides neck support, can do much more by keeping the user in a comfortable, upright position.
In your leisure time, it is advisable to choose series with many episodes that will take up more time than a movie. You can visit the airline’s website in advance to see what type of entertainment will be available during the flight. But the most suggestive thing is to download series, podcasts and music to your devices before arriving at the airport so as not to depend on the slow and unstable Wi-Fi on the plane. Also a good book or some games that do not require an internet connection, that can be played on a tablet, are advisable.
Finally, two points are important on long-duration flights: hydration, considering that the air on flights is dry, and the location of the seat. The latter is recommended to be close to the aisle, avoiding inconvenience to other passengers.
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