There’s an Art to Flying Long Haul

Here’s what pilots do to handle and recover from lengthy flights.

John McDermott

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Long-haul pilots get to fly big planes over long distances and spend time in exciting destinations around the world. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Long-haul flights necessitate specific crew rest procedures, utilizing dedicated mid-flight rest areas and additional pilots to ensure continuous staffing in the cockpit while others rest.
Pilots must adhere to mandatory pre- and post-flight rest periods, often extended for long-haul trips and time zone adjustments, to maintain optimal performance and overall health.
Airlines closely monitor crew rest, and pilots are empowered to opt out of flights if fatigued, emphasizing that safety is the paramount goal of all crew rest regulations.

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Flying long haul is a dream for many new pilots with their eyes set on the airlines. Pilots get to fly big planes over long distances and spend time in exciting destinations around the world.

However, the logistics of operating a long-haul flight are unique and bring distinct challenges. Most notably, pilots—and flight attendants—must still adhere to crew rest requirements even while they’re still on the airplane.