Cruise
Definition
The phase of flight at a relatively constant altitude and speed between climb and descent
Related Terms
Block Time
The total time from gate departure to gate arrival, including taxiing and airborne time
Climb
The phase of flight where an aircraft gains altitude after takeoff
Descent
The phase of flight where an aircraft reduces altitude as it approaches the destination
Flight Level (FL)
A standard altitude reference based on a fixed pressure setting of 29.92 inHg (1013.25 hPa)
Mach Number (M)
The ratio of the aircraft's speed to the speed of sound in the surrounding atmosphere
Related Guides
Contrails and Climate: The Hidden Impact
How condensation trails trap heat, why they may double aviation's warming effect, and what airlines are doing about contrail avoidance.
Why Flying Higher Saves Fuel
The physics of altitude and fuel efficiency — thinner air, optimal cruise levels, step climbs, and how ATC constraints affect efficiency.