Why do planes fly so high on short flights?

The air is thinner, producing less aerodynamic drag and thus reducing fuel consumption. It is also cold, around -55°C, which boosts the efficiency of the jet engines. Plus, this part of the atmosphere – known as the stratosphere – is less turbulent, making for a smoother flight.

Do planes fly high for short flights?

Commercial aircraft typically fly between 31,000 and 38,000 feet — about 5.9 to 7.2 miles — high and usually reach their cruising altitudes in the first 10 minutes of a flight, according to Beckman. Planes can fly much higher than this altitude, but that can present safety issues.

How high do short haul planes fly?

Typically, aircraft fly around 35,000 or 36,000 feet in the air.

Why do airplanes fly so high?

Air resistance and fuel efficiency. One of the main reasons commercial airplanes fly so high is air resistance. You see, the higher you go above the ground, the thinner the atmosphere becomes, and therefore, the less resistance there is on the flight of the plane.

Why are Airlines haggling over air routes?

The haggling over air routes has intensified as the airline industry has consolidated, removed excess capacity and boosted profits. In the decade ended last year, the total number of seats available for domestic flights fell 6 percent.

Why do airplanes fly at 35000 feet?

Due to lower resistance at higher altitudes, commercial airplanes can keep going with minimal fuel expenditure. That’s why 35,000 feet is referred to as ‘cruising altitude’. A balance between operating costs and fuel efficiency is achieved somewhere around 35,000 feet, which is why commercial airplanes usually fly at that attitude.

How high can an airplane fly?

Most commercial airplanes cruise at an altitude of nearly 35,000 feet—around 6.62 miles (10,600 meters) in the air! For people who think the top of a skyscraper is tall, flying more than 6 miles off the ground is incredible!