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 utilize extra pilots who take turns resting in dedicated onboard crew areas to ensure continuous two-pilot operation and that the primary crew is rested for critical flight phases.
Pilots are required to observe significant pre-flight and post-flight rest periods, often extended for time zone adaptation, to ensure they are well-rested for their duties.
Airlines meticulously monitor crew rest, and pilots can opt out of a flight due to fatigue without penalty, emphasizing the critical role of adequate rest in maintaining aviation safety.

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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.