Long-haul flights.
You know, those marathon adventures that fly you half-way around the world, are terrifyingly
boring, and tire you to no end.
Actually your rear end gets tired too!
But see, nowadays, long-distance travel is nothing like it was years ago!
And the experience of flying 20 hours straight might turn out to be much more enjoyable than
you expected!
So, let's say you need to get from Singapore to New York, which usually takes about 19
hours.
Chances are, you'll travel the distance of almost 10,000 miles on an Airbus A350-900-ULR
(which means "ultra-long-range") operated by Singapore Airlines.
This plane has been designed specifically for flying super-long routes.
That's why the seats, even in economy class, are more spacious and cushier than on a regular
flight.
Travelers have more space between armrests, as well as more legroom.
On top of that, the air circulation and lighting in the cabin are adjusted in a way that’s
supposed to help passengers deal with jet lag more easily.
Another cool thing about this plane is that the cabin floor and side-walls are straighter
than on other aircraft.
As a result, passengers have more head and shoulder room!
But one of the most exciting features of Airbus A350 is its tail camera!
You’ll be so mesmerized by your gorgeous airliner crossing the globe, you probably
won't even pay attention to any other in-flight entertainment.
Or let's say you're flying from Perth, Australia to London, UK.
In this case, you'll have to fly non-stop for 17 and a half hours, and your airline
will most likely be Qantas.
You'll travel more than 9,000 miles in a Boeing 787-9, also called a Dreamliner.
True to its name, the plane does everything to make your journey feel like a dream.
For example, it has a special system that makes the air in the cabin much more humid.
As a result, your skin and eyes don't get so dry during the flight, and you don't feel
that annoying throat scratchiness.
An LED lighting system makes it easier for you to adjust from daylight to darkness at
night, and the air circulates around the cabin every two minutes.
Experts say that after spending 20 hours on this plane, you'll still feel better than
after a 14-hour-journey on any other.
Besides, even though it might not seem like such an important point, the Dreamliner's
windows are 30% bigger than those on other similarly-sized airplanes.
The best thing about these windows is that they don't have plastic shades!
Instead, there’s an electronic dimmer next to each seat.
Flight attendants can lighten or darken the shades automatically.
Also, the Dreamliner is 20% more fuel-efficient than any other aircraft of the same size.
And that's great because even the tiniest drop in fuel consumption means significantly
lower ticket prices!
So, as you see, the comfort of an ultra-long-haul flight does depend on the plane you've chosen.
But even regardless of the aircraft, flying long distances has several cool benefits.
- For example, you can get a nice long rest you probably wouldn’t get in your everyday
life.
The only thing you'll need to do is to block out sound and light - and sleep tight.
- Long flights are usually more comfortable than short ones, what with all these bigger
seats and more space.
And it doesn't even matter whether you fly economy or first class.
- On some long-haul flights, you can connect to the onboard Wi-Fi system.
You might have to pay for this service, or it may be free of charge.
Whatever the case, you'll still have an opportunity to get in touch with your relatives and friends
or check your mail.
- What's more, almost all long flights have great in-flight entertainment.
So, you can occupy your time by watching movies, listening to music, or playing games.
Have you ever had a long-haul flight?
Then share your experience in the comments below!
I admit that spending almost 20 hours in your seat on a plane might not be how you imagine
a perfect journey...
But think of this!
The only alternative to a long-haul flight is to fly for 8 or so hours, jolt awake, sleepily
gather your things, and spend several more hours at an unfamiliar airport.
Then, you'll have to hop on another plane where you'll spend the next 10 or so tiring
hours.
I think I’d rather take the ultra-long-haul flight!
Besides, if you know how to get ready for it, you won't even notice your journey come
to an end!
That being said…..
- Choose your seat carefully - it's crucial on a long-haul flight.
Obviously, most people prefer window seats: this way, they can lean against the plane's
wall and have a more comfortable position for sleep.
On the other hand, if you know that you’ll need to go to the bathroom pretty often or
will feel the need to stretch your legs, choose an aisle seat.
Otherwise, you'll have to climb over your dozing neighbors.
Pardon me, ‘xcuse me, ‘xcuse me, pardon me…
Anyway, to book the best seat, check in as early as you can.
These days, most airlines open online check-in 48 to 72 hours before the flight.
Thus, you can not only pick a seat to your liking, but also save some precious airport
time by downloading or printing out your e-ticket.
It’ll save you from lining up at the check-in and wasting your time.
- Remember to ask cabin crew the right questions.
And the first one should be, "Is the plane full?"
Because, if it isn't, you can probably have another, more comfortable seat; for example,
with no-one sitting next to you.
Also, it makes sense to ask if an upgrade is possible.
Sometimes, if this option is available, they upgrade passengers at check-in, or even when
you get on board.
Keep in mind that on long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights, they provide you with a minimum of
two hot meals.
But if you're particularly hungry, you can ask the cabin crew for another helping, and
chances are, you'll get it.
Ooh boy!
Also, if you tell a flight attendant that you have problems sleeping on flights, they
may bring you an extra blanket, earplugs, or an eye mask.
- Every time you fly, it's better to put on comfortable clothes.
But on ultra-long-haul flights, it's critical.
Instead of tight jeans, put on stretchy and loose pants - they won't cut off your blood
flow like jeans.
-Put on several layers of clothes since the temperatures on board often vary from too
hot to icy cold throughout the flight.
A warm scarf and cuddly socks will also add to your comfort.
- Even though the newest ultra-range airplanes have higher humidity inside the passenger
cabin, staying hydrated is still very important.
That's why it's a good idea to fill your water bottle at the airport before take-off, and
keep drinking this water during the flight.
- As I've mentioned before, long-distance planes have more space for you to make yourself
more comfortable.
But it doesn't mean that you should sit still for the duration of the whole flight!
To keep blood flowing in your legs, do light exercises in your seat and try to stand up
and walk every two or three hours.
- Try to sleep as much as you can on a long-haul flight.
It’ll allow you to get to your destination in a reasonably adequate, non-zombie state.
Block noise and bright light with the help of a sleeping mask and earplugs or good earphones.
And don't forget to bring along a comfy neck pillow.
- Even though you get several hot meals during a long-haul flight, as well as some snacks
and drinks, it might make sense to take some food with you.
This way, if you get hungry at night, you won't have to wake your neighbor up by climbing
over them in an attempt to get some food from a flight attendant.
- You probably know that you can claim compensation if your flight is delayed, overbooked, or
canceled.
But what few people are aware of is that the longer the flight is, the bigger the compensation.
That's why, if the distance you have to travel is more than 2,200 miles, and the delay is
longer than 3 hours when you arrive at your destination, you could get a compensation
of $650 per person.
Ka ching!
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