Why do commercial planes fly at 35,000 feet?

Question

Why do commercial planes fly at 35,000 feet?

In: 13

Answer 1

Another couple reasons not mentioned:

You have to share the air space. You don’t want commercial jets going commercial jet speeds at the same altitude as planes only capable of 100 to 200 mph.

You also have jet streams that planes use to get a speed boost. Those are usually 6 to 9 miles high, so 35,000 is a good middle altitude.

Altitude is also options. If you fly too low, you have less time to react to emergencies. Also, the higher you go the more time you can glide and the greater distance you can cover.

Answer 2

Another couple reasons not mentioned:

You have to share the air space. You don’t want commercial jets going commercial jet speeds at the same altitude as planes only capable of 100 to 200 mph.

You also have jet streams that planes use to get a speed boost. Those are usually 6 to 9 miles high, so 35,000 is a good middle altitude.

Altitude is also options. If you fly too low, you have less time to react to emergencies. Also, the higher you go the more time you can glide and the greater distance you can cover.