Airplanes are a very convenient way
to travel, but not every individual is
delighted to travel 37,000 feet high up
in the air. It is natural for people to
feel a little insecure about traveling in
airplanes but there are many ways by
which you can help control that
overwhelming feeling. Having the
right information can help you
understand why airplanes need to
travel that high up in the air and that
this is not a thing to get anxious
about.
A cruising altitude refers to the
altitude at which the aircraft shall
spend most of its flight. This is
exactly the altitude where the plane
shall level out after taking off. Not
only does this altitude allow the
plane to fly more efficiently but it also
prevents the chances of meeting
other aircraft in the air.
Although airplanes cruise at a wide
range of levels and there are several
factors that determine the cruising
altitude of a plane. Cruising altitude
for different airlines may vary
between 25,000 feet and 40,000 feet.
It is also not uncommon for an
aircraft to change cruising altitude
several times if it is a long journey
flight. Every flight has a certain
optimum cruising altitude which
would depend on the weight of the
aircraft.
In this article we help you understand
the various factors which determine
the cruising altitude to give you a
better idea about it. And also why it is
more beneficial for the plane to fly
high up in the air rather than, down
below. It can get scary for people to
realize that they are up among the
clouds but there are certain reasons
why planes need to fly high in the air.
Here below are the factors and
reasons why the aircraft has to travel
high up in the air:
• The air in the earth’s atmosphere
becomes thinner as the altitude
increases. When the air becomes
thinner, it offers less resistance to
objects flying through; this is why
less thrust is required to move the
aircraft. This in turn, helps the aircraft
fly more efficiently.
• Altitudes are defined in relation to
number of feet above sea level. Pilots
need to aware of the terrain over
which they are flying. For example,
twenty thousand feet may be suitable
for southern Florida but it may not be
the same if the aircraft was flying
over mountains.
• Cruising altitude would also depend
on weather. Pilots receive weather
reports and request alternate cruising
altitude from air traffic control to
avoid air turbulence.
• The length of the flight also plays an
important role. The cruising altitudes
for short flights are usually less as
compared to the cruising altitude for
longer flights.
• Flying too close to the clouds may
make it hard for the pilot to see and
cross winds may lead to air
turbulence.
• Flying low means more bug and
insects on the wind shield which
again can make it hard for the pilot to
see in front and reduce visibility.
• There is less friction at higher
altitudes, less friction and higher air
speed causes engines to burn less
fuel therefore it improve fuel efficiency
allowing the airplane to travel further.
• Also, at higher altitudes, the air is
less dense, therefore the aircraft can
run more effectively
• Best fuel efficiency occurs when the
plane gets into the mid 30’s +
• High altitude means less power is
needed to propel the plane and at
40,000 feet the engines are just above
idle power.
These were just some reasons why
aircrafts travel high up in the air. So
you know now, that this is nothing to
be worried about; good airlines take
all safety measures to guarantee you
have a safe and pleasurable trip. And
even though you may be high up in
the air, do not forget that the pilots
operating the plane are experienced
and know everything there is to be
known in order to help you reach your
destination at the earliest without
any inconvenience. Enjoy your flight!
All material provided on this website
is provided for informational or
education purposes only. No content
is intended to be a substitute for
professional medical advice,
diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your
physician regarding the applicability
of any opinions or recommendations
with respect to your symptoms or
medical condition. The author is not
a pilot, therapist, psychologist,
physician, or other mental health or
medical professional. Customer
names or locations may have been
changed to preserve anonymity. Your
individual results may vary and are
influenced by many factors.

I remember my first flight from Nigeria to Ethiopia, looking at the screen in front of me, I noticed we were flying at 25000 feet and I was like wtf. That was though out the duration of the flight. This article really explained a lot, nice one op

.k

Nice write-up! But the higher up in the air the more Debris to be picked when crash occurs!