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What is a long-haul flight?
There’s no single industry-wide definition of a long-haul flight, as airlines classify routes differently. However, a long-haul flight is generally considered to be any direct or non-stop flight lasting between 6 and 12 hours.
- Direct or non-stop flights
- Typically 6-12 hour flights
- Usually operated by wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787
- Less frequent, often running once or twice per day on a given route
While most long-haul routes are transcontinental or intercontinental, some large countries, including the United States and Russia, also operate long-haul domestic flights due to the distances involved.
Traditionally, long-haul services have been dominated by major airlines offering full-service experiences suited to longer journeys. In recent years, however, hybrid airlines have emerged, giving travellers more choice over how they fly.
Ultra long-haul flights
An ultra-long-haul flight is typically defined as a flight that:
- Flies non-stop for more than 12 hours
- Is almost always operated by wide-body aircraft
- Is usually flown by large international airlines, such as Qantas or Emirates
Ultra long-haul flight routes
Ultra long-haul routes often connect destinations across vast distances, including:
- The U.S. and Oceania
- The Middle East and Oceania
- The U.S. and the Middle East
- The U.S. and Central Asia
- The U.S. and South Africa
While these regions are common, ultra long-haul flights can operate between other parts of the world as well.
By 2027, Qantas is set to operate the longest flight route in the world, lasting up to 22 hours between London and Sydney as part of their "Project Sunrise" Initiative.
Long-haul flight delay compensation
If your long-haul flight is delayed, you may be entitled to compensation. However, this will depend on:
- Where you're flying from and to
- How long your flight has been delayed for
For example, if your flight departs from the EU and arrives more than three hours late, you may be eligible for compensation under EU regulations. If your flight departs from outside the EU, different rules may apply, even if you’re flying into Europe.
If you booked with Alternative Airlines and need help checking your eligibility or applying for compensation, our team can liaise with the airline and guide you through the process and determine whether you're likely to receive compensation from the airline. Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.
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FAQs
Are long-haul flights safe?
Yes, long-haul flights are extremely safe. They are typically operated by large international airlines that adhere to some of the highest safety and security standards in aviation.
Pilots and cabin crew are specially trained for long-haul operations and work on structured shift patterns, particularly on overnight flights, to ensure alertness throughout the journey. By law, long-haul flights are staffed by multiple cabin crew teams to maintain safety and service standards.
In addition, long-haul routes are usually flown using wide-body aircraft, which are designed for stability and tend to handle turbulence more smoothly than smaller, narrow-body planes.
What are long-haul flights like?
Long-haul flights are generally more comfortable than short-haul journeys. Aircraft are larger, offering more space, improved cabin layouts, and additional amenities.
Most long-haul flights include:
- In-flight entertainment
- Meal and drink services
- Extra legroom compared to short-haul aircraft
Together, these features help make longer journeys more comfortable and manageable, even on overnight or ultra-long-haul routes.
How many long-haul flights per day?
There are 1,000s of long-haul flights per day! Although, typically, an individual airline will only fly the same long-haul route once or twice a day, depending on the total length of the journey.
Can I fly long-haul if I'm pregnant?
Yes, passengers can fly long-haul if they're pregnant. Some airlines won't allow you to fly pregnant past the second trimester, regardless of whether it's a long-haul, short-haul or medium-haul flight. However, it does differ from airline to airline. Take a look at our flying while the pregnant page to see the rules for each airline on long-haul flights.
Are babies allowed on long-haul flights?
Yes, babies are allowed on long-haul flights or any flight as long as the airline allows for it. Most airlines will allow babies on long-haul flights from as young as 2 days old. However, this will change from airline to airline.
You also might want to consider whether you'd want to take a baby on a long-haul flight. If you feel confident about taking your baby on a long-haul flight, read our flying with children and babies page to see other rules, regulations and travel advice.
What are the best airlines for long-haul flights?
Some of the best airlines to fly long-haul with include Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and ANA. Take a look at our guide on the best airlines for long-haul flights for more information.