A new comprehensive passenger guide by travel journalist Fiona Carruthers promises to demystify the flying experience by addressing three of the most common concerns for air travellers: seat width, jet lag mitigation, and ultra-long-haul routes.
Published simultaneously across Nine Entertainment’s major metro titles — The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times — the guide draws on aircraft specifications, airline data and expert insights to help passengers choose the best plane for their journey.
Seat width and comfort
One of the guide’s key questions is which aircraft model offers the widest seat. Seat width varies significantly between airlines and even within the same aircraft type, depending on cabin configuration. Economy class seats on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, for example, typically measure around 44.5cm (17.5 inches), while some Airbus A350s offer slightly wider seats at 46–48cm. The guide is expected to compare popular single-aisle and wide-body jets, including the Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737, and newer models like the A220, which is often praised for its extra width.
Beating jet lag
The second question addresses how to reduce jet lag — a perennial issue for long-haul travellers. The guide likely explores strategies such as adjusting sleep schedules before departure, choosing flights that align with the destination’s time zone, and using cabin lighting features. Some modern aircraft, like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, use LED lighting that can simulate natural daylight patterns to help reset the body’s internal clock.
The longest routes
Finally, the guide identifies which aircraft flies the longest route. Current ultra-long-haul services include Singapore Airlines’ Singapore–Newark flight (15,347 km) on an Airbus A350-900ULR, and Qantas’s direct Perth–London link (14,498 km) on a Boeing 787-9. The guide may also highlight upcoming records, such as Qantas’s planned “Project Sunrise” non-stop flights from Australia’s east coast to London and New York.
While the full guide contains detailed comparisons, the teaser underscores growing passenger interest in comfort and health during long flights. Airlines are increasingly touting premium economy and business-class products, but economy passengers also benefit from better seat design and onboard amenities.
The publication across three major Australian mastheads signals the guide’s broad appeal to both leisure and business travellers. It arrives as air travel demand continues to recover post-pandemic, with many passengers seeking value and comfort in an era of higher fares.