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PhrasesOn the PlaneQuanto dura il volo?
A1

Quanto dura il volo?

How long is the flight?

Pronunciation

DU-ra — stress on first syllable. Short and natural question.

When to use it

At the start of a flight when you want to know the total flight time.

What it means

'Quanto dura' (how long does it last) uses the verb 'durare' (to last/to take). This verb is used for durations of films, concerts, journeys, and events. The answer typically uses 'circa' (approximately) + time expression. It is a common question to ask cabin crew.

Variations

Il volo è di circa tre ore.

The flight is about three hours.

State the duration to confirm what you've read

Stiamo volando a che quota?

What altitude are we flying at?

Curiosity question — pilots often announce this

Passiamo sopra le Alpi?

Do we fly over the Alps?

Fun question for window seat passengers on Alpine routes

Mini Dialogue

— Quanto dura il volo? — Circa due ore e quaranta minuti. Atterriamo a Catania alle 20:15. — Grazie. Servirete da mangiare? — Sì, tra circa quarantacinque minuti iniziamo il servizio pasti.

— How long is the flight? — About two hours and forty minutes. We land in Catania at 20:15. — Thank you. Will you serve food? — Yes, in about forty-five minutes we start the meal service.

Cultural Note

Italy's domestic flight network connects major cities in 1-2 hours. Milan to Rome is about 1h15. Rome to Palermo is about 1h20. International flights from Italy to other European cities average 2-3 hours. Long-haul flights to North America average 9-10 hours, and to East Asia 12-14 hours.