The pilots also gave urine samples every four hours, including before and after the flights, so their melatonin levels could be assessed.Passengers taking part in the research study wore slightly different activity monitors, and kept a journal logging their exercise, sleep, and meals in the days leading up to the flight — they'll continue these in the days immediately after.Passengers and crew also completed an iPad-based reaction-time test at regular intervals.
Carl Petch, one of the passengers involved in the research study, said that an area like that would be crucial for making it through the ultra-long-haul flight in coach. Economy seats have about 32 inches of pitch, which is on the higher side of standard for long-haul airplanes.Economy seats also have an adapted version of the premium economy footrest, which was definitely an improvement.David Slotnick/Business InsiderDavid Slotnick/Business InsiderFor the first course — essentially a late lunch, Sydney time — I started with the spicy tomato and saffron soup with Gruyère croutons.
For those lucky enough to be in first or business class, this strikes me as the ultimate advantage of an ultra-long-haul nonstop flight, compared to one with a stop — there's more time to settle in, and eventually sleep without interruption. Captain Lisa Norman, the pilot who took delivery of the plane and flew it to New York for the Project Sunrise flight, said that Australian air-traffic control sent a text message to the flight crew as they entered the airspace:"Good morning. Hope everyone is still feeling fresh and comfortable."It was pretty incredible to see the long journey coming to an end.
hblodget Narrator: It was pretty much like dozens of other flights, but 25 minutes longer.