Is a 10 hour flight long?
Is It Possible to Describe a 10 Hour Flight As Long?
When choosing a flight for a trip that has some travel by air as part of the plan, the duration of the flight is something that many people want to have considered. In detail, it becomes apparent that some may be outright intimidated by flights that are 10 hours long. But is it reasonable to talk about long flights when it is possible to spend ten hours in the airplane?
What Activities Can be Considered as Long-Haul
It is rather difficult to identify a specific length which can be taken as the criterion for defining a flight as long. According to the universal guidelines, any flight that takes more than 6 hours can be considered long-haul flight, but the people’s perception may be different. But it is ultimately the decision of the assessor.
In accordance with the survey conducted among leisure travelers who prefer to fly economy class, such flights are rather tiring for passengers if the duration is more than 8-10 hours. It is not fun to be in a chair that only allows one to lean forward and backward for as many hours as one is in a movie theater. Though, for instance, for business tourists who often fly or for the luxury tourists seated in premiere classes 10 hours in the air will not seem too long a flight.
It also means whether the 10 hours include actually the flight time only or the overall time including picking up from home, travelling to the airport, the flight time and then to the home again. When adding up time spent in security checks, waiting at the gates, time for pick up/baggage drop, and commutation time to/from the airport, the overall travel time can be felt to be much longer.
How Flight Routes of Up To 10 Hours Duration Relate to Other Flights
Sit flying for 10 hours may sound rather long, but there are many international flights which last for 12-14 hours or more. Some examples include:
- New York to Hong Kong: 15-16 hours
- Los Angeles to Singapore: 80%
- Atlanta to Johannesburg: The good thing is that these are not continuous and can be covered in one shift that is 16+ hours.
- Sydney to Dallas: The results show that 17 hours and 13 minutes of viewing is more than the time needed for a full-time employee to work a week.
Thus, if compared to the longest non-stop flight which are already available 10 hours can be considered relatively short for the flights which cross several time zones and continents. Direct flights within 10 hours are more typical, although it is still possible to find a flight from North America to Europe or from North America to South America. If one is choosing between two flights one which is 5 hours and another which is 10 hours, the ten-hour flight would be very unendurably long. Yet, 10 hours is far from extraordinary when speaking of many intercontinental flights around the world.
Tips to Help You Love Your Long Flight: Tips for a Comfortable 10-Hour Flight
If you're concerned about handling a flight that lasts 10 hours, there are steps you can take to make it more pleasant:If you're concerned about handling a flight that lasts 10 hours, there are steps you can take to make it more pleasant:
- Some airlines allow customers to book specific seating options like aisle or those with extra space for the legs.
- Take plenty of water and avoid products containing alcohol which are notorious for causing dehydration.
- This is why it is recommended you carry with you a neck pillow, an eye mask and noise cancelling headphones.
- Compressing your legs with special stockings known as compression sock to improve blood flow.
- Ideally, one should carry their own entertainment that they should load with their favorite movies, books and games.
- While during layovers, one should make it a point to stand up and walk the airport terminals from time to time.
- It is advisable to plan to sleep on flights that are at night so that you can be able to sleep when some of the part of the trip is being covered.
- Pre-booking for airport lounges to make one comfortable before flying
As for the movement, it is restricted in narrow economy seats as such, try to move arms/legs often to encourage the flow of blood. It is also prudent to take slow steps in the airplane corridors to avoid slipping during the extended periods of flight.
The truth is not many flight will really have 10 straight hours in the air where passengers do not even have the leeway to get up from their seats. It is still separated into boarding time, taxiing time, time taken to take off, time taken to land, and other factors that might cause a flight to be delayed and thus split the total time into smaller parts.
How to deal with Jet Lag when traveling on long flight.
When planning for trips, jet lag is sometimes experienced at the end of the day when arriving at different destination. Poor concentration, difficulty in sleeping, mood swings, or depressed mood, lethargy, and poor concentration are some of the symptoms. To reduce jet lag after long flights:To reduce jet lag after long flights:
- It is recommended to begin changing sleep habits prior to travel at least a day or two before the trip.
- Do not consume large portions of foods and make a point of having small amounts of foods during flying.
- Make sure you drink a lot of water and do not indulge in alcohol, especially in flight.
- Sunlight exposure that one is exposed to once he /she arrives at work can assist to enhance the circadian rhythms.
- The short naps are useful after reaching a destination and it is preferred that they should be of 20-30 minutes.
- Fatigue should last for a minimum of 48 hours in order to be able to work effectively.
If the traveler has taken some time preparing for the effects of time differences and is well relaxed before the departure day, then probably 10 hour flights are reasonably bearable for any healthy traveler. In my opinion, sleeping on the flight can help pass time more effectively when using the time of the flight itself. Maintaining proper rest and ensuring the body clock is given adequate time to adjust upon arrival is the best way of avoiding more persistent jet lag particularly where flights are long and exceed 10 hours of air time.