Long-Haul Flight: What This Means

It’s all about time.

• Short-haul flights: Flights lasting up to 3 hours
• Medium-haul flights: Flights lasting 3–7 hours
• Long-haul flights: Flights lasting more than 7 hours
• Ultra-long-haul flights: Flights lasting more than 12 hours

Sleeping on long-haul flights in economy class is all about making sure you can get as comfortable as possible and reduce interruptions.

Things like getting a window seat (so no one will need to wake you to get to the aisle) or making sure your seat is far from the busy lavatories can definitely help. Noise-canceling headphones, a neck pillow, and an eye mask may also help you pretend you’re not on a crowded plane. It’s a good idea to avoid caffeine and alcohol before and during a flight, as both can hinder your ability to sleep.

Again, the main thing to think about is how to get comfortable—and each person has different needs in this regard. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Our bodies swell during flights, and that’s especially pronounced on long flights, so restrictive clothing (including footwear) isn’t a good idea. Comfortable, stretchy fabrics that breathe are the way to go.
• Light sleepers may need more insulating measures than heavy sleepers. Think about whether earplugs will suffice or if you’ll need something stronger like noise-canceling headphones or even a white noise app on your phone.
• Avoid perfumes or heavily scented products. Not only are some people allergic to them, but lots of strong scents in an enclosed space can also induce headaches.
• Not all neck pillows are created equally, so if you can take one for a test run (is it comfortable to sleep sitting up in the passenger seat of the car?) that’s incredibly helpful.
• Do some stretches before you get on the plane, and try to get some movement in periodically throughout the flight. When you get up to use the lav, do a couple (leisurely) laps up and down the aisle, or move into the galley to stretch.
• Even if you’ve checked a bag, keep a small toiletry kit in your carry-on so you can freshen up after you wake up. You’d be amazed how much better brushing your teeth and re-applying deodorant can make you feel.
• Bring something to pass the time when you’re not sleeping (or if you can’t sleep)—such as a book, crossword puzzles, movies or podcasts you’ve downloaded, or even a small craft project (just check with the airline in advance about whether your crafty tools, such as knitting needles, are allowed on board).

Yes, on long-haul flights pilots get breaks and having multiple pilots on long-haul flights means they can take turns getting some shut-eye. Sometimes pilots will get some sleep without leaving the cockpit, and sometimes they’ll get to stretch out a bit more in specific (reserved) seats in the cabin or even a hidden bunk. And yes, flight attendants sleep in shifts on long-haul flights, too.

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A long-haul flight is typically considered any flight lasting more than 7 hours, often involving international travel.

For comfort, wear loose, breathable clothing made from stretchy fabrics. Avoid restrictive shoes and tight clothing to minimize swelling (though you may want to consider compression socks). Layers are also a good idea to adapt to changing temperatures during the flight.

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To pass the time on a long-haul flight, you can bring entertainment like books, movies, podcasts, or downloaded games. Stretch periodically to avoid stiffness, and use items like noise-canceling headphones, a neck pillow, and an eye mask to improve comfort and sleep.