Airline Industry 201: The Ultra Long Haul Flight

Traditionally, when people spoke about flight lengths in the aviation industry, they classified them as short haul, medium haul and long haul. Short haul flights are generally those below two and a half hours. Medium haul ranges from two and a half to about five or six hours with long haul being anything longer than that. However, as technology progressed – and aircraft became more efficient – much longer flights became possible. This led to the creation of a new class of flights – the Ultra-long haul.

Ultra-long haul flights are typically those longer than 12 hours (though in some quarters it’s flights longer than 10 hours). Some flights stretch into 15 or 16 hours e.g. Hong Kong to New York (16.5 hours), Nairobi to New York (15 hrs) and Los Angeles to Melbourne (16 Hours). For such a long duration, the operational plan has to be modified from a regular long haul flight – partly in order to meet regulations but also from a practical standpoint.

What airlines do differently on the Ultra-long haul

Because their primary role is to ensure their passengers complete their journey safely, Flight Deck crew (pilots) and Cabin crew have what is known as a Flight Time Limitation (FTL). It is simply the number of consecutive flying (working) hours they are allowed to perform before they are required to take rest. The FTL varies from country to country as the respective regulator defines it. Typically, though, it will be 12 hours for the pilots and 15 hours for Cabin crew. This will include the time on ground in briefings and pre-flight checks.

In order to safely (and legally) perform an Ultra-long haul flight, the airlines equip the aircraft with crew rest areas. These are bunk beds (and in some cases seats) secluded from the rest of the aircraft (especially the noise of the passenger cabin) where the crew can have quite time to rest and relax. They’re located at the front and back of the aircraft.

With the rest areas in place, the crew will work in shifts during the flight. The pilots normally operate as a double crew who will all be in the flight deck for take off. Maybe half an hour into the flight, however, two pilots will take their leave and start their rest period. They can watch a movie, read a book, take a nap or all of the above. They usually have just slightly less than half of the flight to do this before they ‘change shift’ with the two pilots they left on the flight deck. Once the second set has flown their segment, they all reconvene on the flight deck for the landing. (Note: some airlines choose to stagger the shift change to ensure there’s an overlap of those pilots who are flying the aircraft).

The Cabin crew follow a similar pattern to the Flight deck crew with the main difference being that they only fly with one, full set of crew. All Cabin crew are on shift during the main meal service times and then they support the passengers with half the complement while the other half rests.

 

Tips on what you, the passenger, can do differently on an Ultra Long Haul

Over my career I’ve been fortunate (or unfortunate depending on your perspective ;-)) to have been on several Ultra-long haul flights. I’ve picked up a few tips that have made the flights more bearable because, whether you’re in economy class or a premium class, 15 hours is a LONG time!

1. A Change of Clothing

This I picked up from a former colleague while I was working in Asia. Once the ‘fasten seat belts’ sign would go off, she would be off to the lavatory. She’d change into pyjamas or something similar. For my part I go for a light t-shirt and a pair of shorts. The point is to be in something comfortable for the bulk of the flight because, no matter how good that pair of jeans is, it will start to chafe after 13 / 14 hours in your seat. Just remember that lighter clothing may mean you get colder so you should compensate

2. Noise Reduction

If you travel a lot then a good pair of noise cancelling headsets is a worthwhile investment. In most widebody aircraft there is an almost subtle ambient sound that comes from i) the engines and ii) the air rushing by the aircraft (it is moving at close to 1000km/hr!). The longer you’re on the aircraft the more this will begin to irritate you. Noise Cancelling headsets go a long way to mitigate this.

If the cost of such headsets is beyond your budget, ear plugs are a reasonable substitute, especially when you’re trying to get some sleep. If you don’t have any (or don’t know where to get some), ask the cabin crew – they usually have a few pairs on board.

3. Carry Full Size pillows

I saw a family with young children doing this and realized this would make a big difference for those travelling with children – especially toddlers. The full size pillows are bulky and unwieldy as you make your way through security. That said, you spend far less time on the ground than you will in the air. And in the air, they might just be the difference that means your munchkin (and subsequently you!) can get some sleep.

4. Different Entertainment Options

As I’ve said above, 15-16 hours is a long time! I’ve found that the provided in-flight entertainment is usually not enough. A bit of variety goes a long way. This is where my iPad makes all the difference. When I’m tired of watching the movie selection, books and games to pass some more time come to my rescue.

5. Pack a snack

Most airlines will provide you with 2 full meals and a snack on such flights (they don’t often have the space to carry much more). Unfortunately, as we know, meals on planes aren’t exactly filling most of the time. Add that to the time in between the meals and you can find yourself uncomfortably hungry with more than a couple of hours before the next meal is due. Because of this I always have something like a chocolate bar or protein bar in my hand luggage to take the edge off if required. This becomes even more important if travelling with children.

6. Stay hydrated and keep stretching

The aircraft cabin tends to be a drier environment than usual. As such you can lose a fair amount of water over such a long flight. It’s important to consciously keep drinking fluids (non-alcoholic! ;-)). I try for about 200ml every hour.

In the same vein, to avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis and any similar complications it’s important to stretch and flex your muscles frequently during the flight. I find, however, that if I’m good enough at keeping myself hydrated then the stretching takes care of itself as I have to get up frequently to attend to nature’s calls. 🙂

 

So there are some thoughts on the Ultra-long haul flight. I hope they help ease yours when you have to take it. I just heard Boeing is working on aircraft capable of making the London – Sydney flight a direct one. I wonder what we’ll call it when it hits 19 hours…