Flights come in a variety of lengths. For example, short-haul flights are typically under 3 hours, medium-haul flights are 3-6 hours, and long-haul ones can last 6-12 hours or more. The length of a flight also depends on the type of aircraft. There is no official definition of a “long-haul” flight, but some airlines define it as anything over 3,000 miles. So if you’re a frequent flyer, it’s important to know the finer points of your airline’s travel policy before booking a ticket. You should also take note of any blackout periods that may be in effect. A plane’s flight plan is carefully engineered to make the most of all available resources. This includes avoiding obstacles such as birds or drones in the air and on the ground. It’s also a good idea to consider how the route will affect the weather. One of the most impressive things about airplanes is their ability to climb high into the sky. This is thanks to a complex aerodynamics system that’s both sophisticated and elegant. This is particularly true of jet airplanes, designed to take advantage of the optimum cruising altitude for each direction. This is done by a clever design that lets the planes “climb up” and “climb down” to their destination in record time without compromising safety or fuel efficiency. Other technologies, including those used for navigation and emergency systems, also help reduce flying times. The most efficient airplanes have been known to shave a few minutes off the time it takes for a passenger to reach their destination.