Qantas will be offering non-stop ultra-long-haul flights from Australia (Sydney) to the US (New York) and Europe (London) in the next couple of years.

Will these 20-hour flights affect your mental and physical health?

The routes will fly almost 20 hours nonstop across 10,000 miles. For many, the idea of getting on a 13-hour flight is bad enough, but some airlines are now preparing to introduce non-stop flights of 20 hours or more — known as “ultra-long-haul” flights. They are looking to introduce them in the next couple of years. They seems to be looking to make use of the Airbus A350-1000s which will be used for the world’s longest flight.

From a venous wellbeing point of view, we know that the risk of venous thrombotic emboli (VTE) increases with flight duration, so longer flights means increased risk of developing DVT and PE. Both immobility and hypoxia may play a role in this process as previously mentioned.

So “pre-flight” preparation and importantly “in-flight” (hydration, regular exercises) will be key in preventing venous pathology. “Post-flight” care will also become more applicable because of the increased risk.

Other potential consequences may be “Jet lag” as aviators will be crossing 15 time zones. It may have an impact of their circadian rhythm’s because of these extended durations. 

I can think of many other health issues associated with these longer durations.

More to come.

Fly safe.

Nic dr