Why do planes fly at 35,000 feet?
Altitudes typically range from 30,000 feet to 40,000 feet. The reason most planes fly at 35,000 feet is for the sake of fuel efficiency; the higher planes fly, the less fuel they burn. The aircraft needs less fuel when the air is thinner.
What does the pilot actually do up there?
Sure, there are plenty of levers and buttons in the cockpit, but what is the pilot actually doing in there? These days, autopilot does play an important role insofar as physically navigating the plane, but the pilot must still follow a strict protocol to keep passengers safe. Even if they don't have their hands on the control column at all times, your pilot's job is to make sure that your flight goes smoothly!