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The 15 Longest Flights in the World

From New York to Singapore and Perth to London, these are the longest flight routes in the world.

If you’re looking to maximize your time in the sky, you might consider taking the current longest flight in the world — just board a Singapore Airlines plane in New York City and disembark in Singapore 9,537 miles (and nearly 19 hours) later.

While that flight holds the current record, it isn’t the longest flight ever flown — the longest nonstop commercial flight ever operated happened back in March 2020. Air Tahiti Nui flew nonstop from Papeete, Tahiti to Paris, traveling 9,765 miles, bypassing its usual stopover in Los Angeles due to pandemic-related travel restrictions in place at the time. That record, however, will be surpassed by Qantas in 2025, when the airline launches its 10,573-mile flights between Sydney and London and its 9,950-mile flights between Sydney and New York.

Here is the current list of the top 15 longest flights in the world that are in operation. They are ordered according to distance, since this metric remains constant, as opposed to flight timing, which can vary according to season, weather, and airport conditions at different times of the year.

Of the below flights, the shortest estimated flight time clocks in at a whopping 14 hours and 30 minutes, so you’ll need to come prepared for the long haul. Wear a comfortable airplane outfit, grab your best travel pillow , and queue up your favorite TV shows and movies — you’ve got time to kill. And if there was ever a time to upgrade to first class , this is it.   

1. New York City (JFK) – Singapore (SIN)

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Distance: 9,537 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 18 hours, 50 minutes

2. Singapore (SIN) – Newark (EWR)

Distance: 9,523 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 18 hours, 45 minutes

3. Perth (PER) – London (LHR)

Airline: Qantas

Distance: 9,010 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 15 minutes

4. Melbourne (MEL) – Dallas (DFW)

Distance: 8,992 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 35 minutes

5. Auckland (AKL) – New York (JFK)

Airline: Air New Zealand and Qantas

Distance: 8,828 miles

6. Dubai (DXB) - Auckland (AKL)

Airline: Emirates

Distance: 8,824 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 10 minutes

7. Singapore (SIN) - Los Angeles (LAX)

Distance: 8,770 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 50 minutes

8. Bangalore (BLR) - San Francisco (SFO)

Airline: Air India

Distance: 8,701 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours, 40 minutes

9. Houston (IAH) - Sydney (SYD)

Airline: United Airlines

Distance: 8,596 miles

10. Sydney (SYD) - Dallas (DFW)

Distance: 8,576 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 15 hours, 20 minutes

11. Manila (MNL) - San Francisco (SFO)

Airline: Philippine Airlines

Distance: 8,520 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 17 hours

12. Singapore (SIN) - San Francisco (SFO)

Airline: Singapore Airlines and United Airlines

Distance: 8,446 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 14 hours, 30 minutes

13. Atlanta (ATL) - Johannesburg (JNB)

Airline: Delta

Distance: 8,439 miles

14. Mumbai (BOM) - San Francisco (SFO)

Distance: 8,406 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 16 hours

15. Dubai (DXB) - Los Angeles (LAX)

Distance: 8,339 miles

Estimated Flight Time: 16 hours, 20 minutes

On Board the Longest Flight in the World: What It's Like to Fly 19 Hours Nonstop

By Ramsey Qubein

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Airlines are pushing boundaries to connect far-flung global cities every year. The longest flight in the world, currently flown by Singapore Airlines , is proof. For travelers who want to visit loved ones—not to mention frequent fliers looking for new ways to earn and burn miles and points —this 19-hour journey from John F. Kennedy is a gem in the crown of ultra-long-haul travel. But even in first and business class, the prospect of such a long journey can be daunting. 

To see what the experience was really like, I recently hopped on Singapore Airlines’ nonstop route from New York to Singapore . On Singapore’s specially designed Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra long range) I was seated in business class, which takes up most of the plane ( premium economy occupies the back third of the aircraft—in a merciful move, the airline opted to not offer traditional economy class on such a long journey). True to Singapore's style, there were plenty of comfortable touches. Likewise, there were things I wish I knew about before, and would plan ahead for in the future. 

From the in-flight menu to the best seats in the house, this is exactly what it's like on the longest flight in the world, plus what to know before boarding it yourself.

What is the longest flight in the world really like?

Gearing up for a flight that stretches 19 hours takes mental preparation. I started by thinking about how I planned to spend time on board and what I wanted to do when I landed—and slowly adjusting my sleep pattern days before the flight.

Once on board, I settled into my seat, which is one of the widest business class thrones in the sky . I prepared my new home, laying out what I’d need during the flight and finding all the charging ports. The amenity kit and lavatories have some thoughtful products like a wrinkle-reducing spray for clothes (important after a long flight). Because this flight departs in the evening, some people opted to change into pajamas or loose-fitting clothing to help them get better rest—I committed to the spray.

Donning Pierre Balmain-designed sarong kebayas, flight attendants introduce themselves while I perused the nearly 1,000 entertainment options. The crew addresses every passenger by their last name, and by the end of the flight, they have memorized every passenger, even as they say goodbye one by one at the departure door.

After takeoff, it was time for drinks and a movie. Singapore flight attendants are masters at the craft of hospitality. Wine and Champagne are poured at the seat with an explanation of the vineyard and how each pairs well with dishes from the menu.

The multi-course meal was served with great fanfare and includes appetizers and main dishes from the airline’s partnership menu with Golden Door Spa . Served atop linens and tableware, the impressive meals specifically created for these super-long flights are served course by course. The menu and beverage list (including mocktails, juices, and smoothies) are designed for passengers to choose between more rest or energy before arrival. Some are high in anti-inflammatory properties while others are rich in free radicals and antioxidants.

Menu dishes include Hudson Valley-sourced trout with greens from the airline’s own aeroponic farm , or a braised short rib with cornbread pudding. Flight attendants told me that the Singaporean chicken rice is one of the most popular pre-order dishes.

Later in the flight, the mood lighting changes, even pulsing a bit at times. It’s all been thoughtfully designed to help ease jet lag as much as possible en route. The bathrooms are immaculate, and flight attendants typically clean them between passengers.

Singapore serves a meal after takeoff, but unlike most airlines, the second meal is mid-flight rather than before landing. It’s not a dine on demand service, like Qatar Airways , either. This is meant to follow peoples’ body clocks, but may interrupt your sleep. Midway through the flight, the lights come on, and flight attendants (still as immaculate as after takeoff) present another multi-course meal service. The airline’s famous satay and peanut sauce arrived with great fanfare, which was enough to make me feel ok about having to get up in the middle of my sleep.

After that, there is no other formal meal service, but the crew can deliver a range of menu items like sandwiches, soups, and salads, at any time. Luckily, this presents another chunk of time for sleeping: On the 19-hour flight, I slept for 11 hours in varying intervals, in large thanks to the meticulous turn down with linens and pillows.

What I wish I had known before departure

Singapore Airlines has two flights a day from the New York area (JFK and Newark). Technically, the JFK flight is just a bit longer at two miles more than Newark (9,527 miles versus 9,525).

The Singapore flight from JFK leaves in the evening, which means you can eat and then sleep hours after takeoff without needing to reset your internal clock . About halfway through the flight, you can wake up and enjoy more food, movies, and drinks (or catch up on work). Since the flight is so long, you still have time for another several hours of sleep before landing in Singapore in the morning, with the whole day ahead of you.

When departing Newark , the flight leaves in the morning. This means the reverse is true: you’re up for at least the first half of the flight and then naturally ready to sleep after that. But because the Newark flight lands in the evening, you probably don't want to sleep much mid-flight if you hope to rest on arrival.

My tips? Ask before takeoff for the exact meal service timing to mentally prepare your own sleeping and eating timetable. Also, don’t forget about Singapore’s Book the Cook service that allows you to order your preferred dish before takeoff. You’ll be able to select from more than a dozen options, which is more than what is offered on board. Lobster Thermidor? Thai or Indian curry dishes? Laksa soup? It’s all on offer (including for premium economy passengers), but only if you choose in advance.

Jessica Puckett

María Casbas

CNT Editors

If you’re curious about the menu, the airline makes it available within the reservation page online about one week before departure. There’s also unlimited, free Wi-Fi for business class passengers. If I had known, I wouldn’t have downloaded so much work in advance, but I was grateful for the option to stay productive.

If you are flying premium economy, you’ll want to choose one of the solo window seats at the very back of the plane, which have extra space due to the curvature of the aircraft. But act fast: there are only six. Luckily, in business class, all seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration with maximum privacy.

Some travelers will prefer making a stop somewhere rather than such a long flight, but Singapore Airlines has a highly sought after product. On several days this summer, the cheapest roundtrip airfare was about $2,700 in premium economy and $6,600 in business class. But, don’t be surprised to see the premium cabin reach into the five-digit range on many dates of the year. On the longest flight in the world, many fliers may want to trade cash for decent rest and more time at their destination. After all, that’s the benefit of a nonstop ultra-long-haul flight.

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The 10 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World (From a Points and Miles Perspective)

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3130 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Michael Y. Park

15 Published Articles 158 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 60+ U.S. States Visited: 50

1. Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK) on Singapore Airlines: 9,537 Miles

What happened to cathay pacific, 2. singapore (sin) to newark (ewr) on singapore airlines: 9,535 miles, 3. doha (doh) to auckland (akl) on qatar airways: 9,032 miles, 4. perth (per) to london (lhr) on qantas: 9,009 miles, 5. melbourne (mel) to dallas (dfw) on qantas: 8,992 miles, 6. auckland (akl) to new york (jfk) on air new zealand : 8,828 miles, 7. dubai (dxb) to auckland (akl) on emirates: 8,824 miles, 8. singapore (sin) to los angeles (lax) on singapore airlines: 8,770 miles, 9. bengaluru (blr) to san francisco (sfo) on air india: 8,701 miles, 10. houston (iah) to sydney (syd) on united airlines: 8,596 miles, mapping the flights, boeing 777-200lr, boeing 787-9 dreamliner, airbus a350-900ulr, airbus a350-1000, airbus a380-800, final thoughts.

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If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re a true points-and-miles geek, here’s a quick test:

You’ve just booked a nearly 10,000-mile, 17-hour ultra-long-haul flight. What’s your immediate reaction?

• You cringe at the thought of most of a day spent in a cramped economy seat.
• You pop the bubbly, either literally or metaphorically.

If you answered the latter, you’re probably the kind of travel-hacking ninja who’s been ecstatic about the increasing number of ultra-long-haul flights. Heck, you may have already joined the legions of points nerds who go out of their way to hop on the longest commercial flights in the world. (Guilty!)

So why would anyone willingly subject themselves to nearly 10,000 miles and more than 17 hours on a tin can 40,000 feet in the air? Because they’re probably not flying economy.

For points-and-miles geeks, jetting around the world on one of the longest nonstop flights in existence means they get to maximize their time on the truly fantastic products they and their friends aspire to. It’s a big redemption win for hard-earned miles!

To that end, we’re diving into the 10 longest nonstop flights in the world and what they’re worth from a points perspective — along with fun facts about the aircraft primed to get you to your destination.

And if you didn’t pass the points-and-miles geek test this time, one of these fabulous redemptions might convert you!

The Top 10 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World

Airlines use nautical miles, not on-the-ground miles. Every nautical mile is equal to a little over 1.15 land-based, or statute, miles. However, for the purposes of this article, we’re sticking to the more familiar statute miles unless otherwise stated. We’re also not including the return flights on the same routes.

Scheduled flight time: 18 hours, 50 minutes Flight Number : SQ 24 Aircraft:  Airbus   A350-900ULR Best business class redemption: 111,500 Singapore KrisFlyer miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards , Brex Rewards , Capital One Miles , Chase Ultimate Rewards , Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy )

Though it was temporarily dethroned last winter by Cathay Pacific’s improvised Hong Kong-to-New York route (keep reading to find out why), Singapore Airlines has again regained its crown for longest-distance commercial flight.

• Watch all 7 movies in the “Mission Impossible” franchise, “Top Gun,” and “Top Gun: Maverick” and still have about 25 minutes left over — or enough time to catch much of the 2005 episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” with that infamous couch-jumping interview with Tom Cruise.
• Mileage-wise, drive from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon, and back again — and then turn around and drive to Portland, Oregon 1 more time.

The A350-900ULR on this route uses 94 premium economy and 67 business class seats.

These incredibly long flights halfway around the world won’t pay for themselves! Before you pack your bags, think about what you’re packing in your wallet: Check out our guide to the best credit cards for travelers .

Though Singapore Airlines has long ruled the roost of long-distance flights, it wasn’t on top from 2022 to early 2023. That’s when Cathay Pacific flew A350-1000s from New York City (JFK) to Hong Kong (HKG), listed at 10,326 miles for 17 hours and 50 minutes. Cathay Pacific pilots relied on strong but seasonal tailwinds to make the flight possible without consuming too much fuel.

Cathay Pacific chose this incredibly long flight path because of the Russia-Ukraine war. The short-lived route took planes over the Atlantic Ocean, over the U.K., through southern Europe, and over parts of Central Asia to avoid flying through Russian airspace.

Japan Airlines similarly did a temporary, much longer rerouting for flights from Tokyo to London for the same reason, going eastbound over the Pacific instead of westbound through Russia. Cathay Pacific has since returned to a more conventional flight plan over the Pacific with a shorter official flight distance of just over 8,000 miles.

• In terms of time, the temporary Cathay Pacific JFK to HKG route was long enough to watch all 10 of the “Star Trek” feature films in which James T. Kirk is the lead character (i.e., all of the original series and J.J. Abrams-reboot movies but omitting the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” films), with 1 minute to spare.
• It was also about the same distance as driving from the southernmost point in the continental U.S. — Key West, Florida — to the northernmost U.S. settlement —- Utqiagvik, Alaska, formerly known as Barrow — then deciding it was too cold and driving back down to sunny San Antonio, Texas, instead. By the way, you should never attempt to drive to Utqiagvik, even in a snowcat, during the short window when the sea ice is solid enough for some crossings.

Want to make the whole longest-flight-in-the-world debate even more confusing? Despite airlines’ listed flight distances for routes, pilots routinely take advantage of conditions like jet streams, which can shorten the flight time but increase the distance. So, though the official flight distance of SQ 24 is around 9,500 statute miles, in reality, it’s not unheard of for pilots on the route to actually cover more like 10,700 statute miles.)

Bottom line? Don’t take “official” records for longest flights too seriously.

Scheduled flight time: 18 hours, 25 minutes Flight number: SQ 22 Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR Best business class redemption: 111,500 Singapore KrisFlyer miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all of the original “Harry Potter” movies (“Sorcerer’s Stone” to “Death Hallows: Part 2”) without credits, with 13 minutes left over, or about enough time for a quick meal with the Yule Ball dinner scene on pause during “Goblet of Fire.”
• Mileage-wise, drive from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Los Angeles to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and back — and then do most of the round-trip journey all over again. (Get your portkey ready as you near Tucson, Arizona, for the fourth time.)

This flight crosses a seemingly impossible 10 time zones!

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 20 minutes Flight number: QR 920 Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000 Best business class redemption: 140,000 Avios plus about $150 (transfer from British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub , Iberia Plus , Bilt Rewards , Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

Qatar resumed the longest nonstop route in its network on September 1, 2023, after putting it on hold for 3 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. For its return, the route now features Qatar’s newest plane, the Airbus A350-1000.

• Watch every Roger Moore James Bond movie, then throw in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” You could still get in 2 007-minute bathroom breaks.
• In terms of distance, you could drive 3 times between New York City (the site of the opening scene of Moore’s first Bond movie, “Live and Let Die”) to San Francisco (as in Moore’s final scene as Bond in “A View to a Kill”). You’d have about enough leftover miles to make it from San Francisco to San Diego and back once, futilely searching for “Moonraker” villain Hugo Drax’s “California” mansion (which was actually a chateau in France).

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 35 minutes Flight number: QF 9 Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Best business class redemption: 85,000 American miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy) Best first class redemption: 115,000 American miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all 6 “Rocky” movies (including the 3 “Creed” spinoffs) and still have enough time to watch most of the “30 for 30” episode “42 to 1,” about Mike Tyson’s first defeat in the ring.
• Mileage-wise, drive from the steps Rocky ran up (at the Philadelphia Museum of Art) to the site of Rocky’s last fight (Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas) and back nearly twice.

Scheduled Flight Time:  17 hours, 35 minutes Flight number: QF 21 Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Best business class redemption: 55,000 Alaska miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy) Best first class redemption: 70,000 Alaska miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all 5 feature films in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise , followed by both “Fantastic Beasts” movies that Johnny Depp appears in, leaving you about an hourlong break from your own personal Deppfest.
• Mileage-wise, make a round trip from pirate Jean Lafitte’s favorite haunt, New Orleans, to Pittsburgh, home of baseball’s Pirates, 4 times.

Qantas plans to use the A350-1000 to fly 2 of the world’s longest routes, Sydney to New York and Sydney to London, as early as 2025.

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 50 minutes Flight number: NZ 2 Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Best business class redemption: 120,000 ANA miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” trilogy (theatrical editions) and still have about 40 minutes to spare.
• Mileage-wise, drive from Gimli, Manitoba, to Drake Bay, Costa Rica, and back — and still have time for a detour through part of the Rocky Mountains (which you can pretend are the Misty Mountains).

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 10 minutes Flight number: EK 448 Aircraft:  Airbus A380-800 Best business class redemption: 85,000 Japan Airlines miles plus a large cash surcharge one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy)

Emirates used to fly this route on the Boeing 777-200LR but is currently operating the larger, 2-level Airbus A380.

• Watch all 5 movies in the “Indiana Jones” franchise, plus all 3 movies in the “Jurassic Park” franchise (not including the “Jurassic World” sequels) with 1 minute of time to yourself free from adventuring scientists.
• Mileage-wise, drive from the state of Indiana to the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant (Roswell, New Mexico) and back nearly 4 times.

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 50 minutes Flight number: SQ 38 Aircraft:  Airbus A350-900ULR Best business class redemption : 135,000 Asiana miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy) or 200,000 United miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy) Best first class redemption : 180,000 Asiana miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all 3 movies in “The Godfather” trilogy (original cuts), “Goodfellas,” “Casino,” and “The Departed” and still have a little under an hour to ponder the morality of your life choices.
• Mileage-wise, you could make the trip between Little Italy in New York City to Las Vegas nearly 3.5 times. Don’t forget to take the cannoli!

Scheduled flight time:  17 hours, 40 minutes Flight number: AI 175 Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR Best business class redemption: 100,000 Air Canada points plus about $35 in taxes and fees (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

• Watch all 5 movies in the “Die Hard” franchise, plus “The Fifth Element,” “The Sixth Sense,” and “12 Monkeys” for a Bruce Willis festival. Then, top it off with “Over the Hedge,” in which Willis plays a raccoon.
• Distance-wise, you could recreate the real-life trajectory of Bruce Willis by driving from his hometown of Carney’s Point, New Jersey, to Hollywood, California — 3 times.

The ancient Indian city of Bangalore officially changed its name back to its traditional, non-Anglicized Kannada name, Bengaluru, in November 2014, though many still refer to it by its colonial name.

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 35 minutes Flight number: UA 101 Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Best business class redemption: 250,000 United miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

United resurrected this route on October 28, 2023, after putting it on hold for 2 years because of the pandemic.

• Watch all 5 movies in the “Scream” franchise, then all 5 movies in the “Scary Movie” franchise.
• Mileage-wise, drive from the northern Illinois suburbs (where the granddaddy of slasher flicks, “Halloween,” was set) to Santa Rosa, California (the hub of most of the original “Scream” filming locations), and back. And then, like any horror franchise, do it all over again.

We ranked flights by distance rather than flight time because flight time can vary significantly for many reasons. Please note that because flight times vary so widely from flight to flight, the actual time you spend in the air will likely differ from the listed time if you take one of these trips.

We listed flights by the shortest distance between 2 points on the Earth’s surface, also known as the great circle distance. This can also differ from the actual distance for reasons including wind, severe weather, and the need to avoid closed airspace. 

Need trivia to throw out at your next AvGeek party? The record for the longest nonstop commercial flight in terms of time in the air is held by Qantas for its August 30, 1943, flight in a Consolidated PBY Catalina seaplane from what is now Sri Lanka to Australia.

It took 32 hours and 9 minutes to travel 3,512 statute miles. The route was nicknamed “The Double Sunrise” because it experienced 2 sunrises per flight — scheduled that way so that it flew through Japanese-occupied territory at night.

About the Aircraft

As planes become more fuel-efficient and fuel costs remain relatively low, we’ll continue to see big competition for a spot on the leaderboard for the longest nonstop flights in the world.

Boeing and Airbus continue to find new ways to increase the range and passenger capacity of their aircraft, allowing airlines to turn a profit from these ultra-long-haul flights.

These aircraft (currently) make up the roster for the longest nonstop flights in the world:

• Boeing 777-200LR — Air India
• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — Air New Zealand, Qantas, United
• Airbus A350-900ULR — Singapore Airlines
• Airbus A350-1000 — Qatar Airways, Qantas (by 2025)
• Airbus A380 — Emirates

Range: 9,845 miles/8,555 nautical miles/15,843 kilometers Capacity: 317 passengers Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.89/683 mph Engine:  GE90-115B turbofan

The Boeing 777 commercial series is made up of 3 long-range, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliners. Boeing says that the 777 aircraft provides considerably improved reach and increased revenue potential.

In 2015, General Electric proclaimed the GE90-115B turbofan engine the most powerful engine in the world . The GE90 series held the title of history’s largest aviation engine until the introduction of the GE9X, which began flight testing in 2018. The Boeing 777 series has also won several awards for its interior cabin design and passenger satisfaction.

The 777-200LR (the “LR” is for “Long Range”) is the aircraft of choice for Emirates’ Dubai-to-Auckland route and Air India’s Bengaluru-to-San Francisco route. Air India flies a 777-200LR previously flown by Delta Air Lines for this journey.

Range:  8,786 miles/7,635 nautical miles/4,140 kilometers Capacity: 290 passengers Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.85/652 mph Engine: GEnx-1B/Trent 1000

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner series comprises 3 midsize, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliners. Combined, the 787 series currently services over 170 nonstop flights worldwide. The 787-9, however, is the only Dreamliner to make it on the list of longest nonstop flights in the world.

Boeing says that its 787 series provides advantages. including higher distance range and fuel efficiency, more cargo volume, lower operating costs, and a more reliable aircraft.

The 787-9 is the aircraft of choice for all Qantas Perth-to-London and Melbourne-to-Dallas routes, and United’s Houston-to-Sydney flight.

Range:  11,163 miles/9,700 nautical miles/17,964 kilometers Capacity: 161 (SQ configuration — premium economy and business class only) Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.89/683 mph Engine: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84

Airbus introduced the A350 series in response to the success of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, and the A350-900 is the first member of the company’s Extra Wide Body, or XWB, a family of next-generation, high-efficiency, high-capacity passenger jets for long-haul flights.

The A350-900’s first test flight was in 2013, and it flew its first commercial flight (with Qatar Airways) in 2015. Currently, however, Singapore Airlines is the only airline to fly the A350-900ULR version of the -900.

That A350-900ULR variant (“ULR” for “Ultra Long Range”) is a lighter aircraft that can fly farther and is more cost-efficient than large double-decker jets like the 747 or A380. Because of the materials used, there’s also less maintenance required — an important aspect for global airlines. Passengers find the engine noise substantially quieter , too.

The main feature of the ULR is that the fuel tanks hold more fuel, critical for ultra-long-haul flights. In addition to extra fuel storage, there are aerodynamic improvements that allow the aircraft to serve routes that previously would have required a technical stop.

The A350-900ULR is the aircraft of choice for Singapore Airlines’ routes from Singapore to New York, Newark, and Los Angeles.

Range:  10,001 miles/8,700 nautical miles/16,112 kilometers Capacity: 480 passengers maximum (327 on Qatar Airways) Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.89/683 mph Engine: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97

Qatar Airways launched the first A350-1000 route in February 2018, traveling from Doha, Qatar, to London with 46 Qsuites and 281 economy seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.

Measuring 23 feet longer than the A350-900, the fuel-efficient A350-1000 is the largest version of the A350. It can squeeze in more dedicated passenger space, has a more powerful engine, and fits in more comfort-focused technology like climate zones, improved air circulation and filtration, and ambient lighting designed to reduce jet lag.

With a maximum range that’s 1,000 nautical miles shorter than the A350-900ULR’s, the A350-1000 hasn’t received Airbus designation as a ULR model.

Qantas has ordered A350-1000s that it plans on putting into service starting in 2025 . Singapore, which has today’s largest fleet of A350s, has standing orders with Airbus for dozens of A350s, with a clause that allows it to pick from either the -900 or -1000 variants closer to delivery.

Range:  9,206 miles/8,000 nautical miles/14,800 kilometers Capacity: 555 passengers maximum (489 on Emirates) Maximum Cruising Speed: Mach 0.88/675 mph Engine: Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or GE-Pratt & Whitney GP-7200 turbofans

Also called the Super Jumbo, the Airbus A380-800 is the largest commercial passenger airplane in the world. It’s a double-decker that began development all the way back in the 1990s as a direct challenger to the then-dominant Boeing 747 when it came to long-haul flights. Early company visions of the plane even included the possibility of onboard shops, restaurants, and casinos.

The A380-800, sometimes called the A388, was the passenger variant of the 2 A380 models Airbus originally offered. The other option was the freighter version, the A380F.

Singapore Airlines was the first airline to fly the A380 in October 2007, with Emirates eventually amassing the largest fleet of A380s and becoming the leading A380 customer by far, accounting for nearly half of all orders of the A380.

But the shifting realities of the industry didn’t mesh well with a jet even larger than the 747, and the last A380 rolled off the production line in 2021, eclipsed by smaller, more efficient planes like the A330, A350, and 787.

The competition for the top spot on the list of the longest nonstop flights in the world won’t end any time soon. The only question is: How will the airlines choose to get there?

Within the past few years, we’ve seen the final flight of the last U.S. carrier-operated Boeing 747, once the hallmark of long-haul flights. In 2021, we saw several carriers announce plans to move away from the behemoth A380 to save on fuel and match current passenger demands. Moving forward, will airlines shy away from enormous jets in search of slimmer, more efficient aircraft? Or will the so-called superjumbos also evolve, eventually providing a more efficient and profitable means of carrying passengers around the world?

From a points perspective, we certainly hope jumbo jets make a comeback at some point. The optimized business and first class cabins of the more upscale carriers are every miles chaser’s dream.

Rewarding your hard-earned miles with 17 hours in business class on a 787-9 is unbeatable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest flight time in the world.

The longest nonstop commercial flight in the world is usually scheduled to last 18 hours and 50 minutes from Singapore (SIN) to New York City (JFK), serviced by Singapore Airlines.

What is the longest flight in the world by distance?

The longest flight in the world by distance is Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK) on Singapore Airlines, officially measuring 9,537 miles.

What plane can fly the farthest in the world?

The current record for the longest-distance commercial flight is held by a Boeing 777-200LR for a journey in 2005. This flight from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to London Heathrow (LHR) took the long way (vs. great circle distance) and was logged at 21,602 km (13,423 miles/11,664 nautical miles).

What is the largest plane in the world?

The largest commercial jet airliner in the world by capacity is the double-decker Airbus A380-800, which can hold up to 863 passengers. It’s also the biggest in terms of wingspan, at 261.7 feet. But the Airbus Super Jumbo loses out in length to the Boeing 747-8I (“I” for “Intercontinental”), which is 250 feet long, compared to the A380’s 238 feet.

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An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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On board the longest flight in the world: what it's like to fly 19 hours nonstop

By Ramsey Qubein

Airlines are pushing boundaries to connect far-flung global cities every year. The longest flight in the world, currently flown by Singapore Airlines , is proof. For travellers who want to visit loved ones this 19-hour journey from John F. Kennedy is a gem in the crown of ultra-long-haul travel. But even in first and business class, the prospect of such a long journey can be daunting.

To see what the experience was really like, I recently hopped on Singapore Airlines’ nonstop route from New York to Singapore . On Singapore’s specially designed Airbus A350-900ULR (ultra long range) I was seated in business class, which takes up most of the plane ( premium economy occupies the back third of the aircraft – the airline opted to not offer traditional economy class on such a long journey). True to Singapore 's style, there were plenty of comfortable touches. Likewise, there were things I wish I knew about before, and would plan ahead for in the future.

From the in-flight menu to the best seats in the house, this is exactly what it's like on the longest flight in the world, plus what to know before boarding it yourself.

What is the longest flight in the world really like?

Gearing up for a flight that stretches 19 hours takes mental preparation. I started by thinking about how I planned to spend time on board and what I wanted to do when I landed – and slowly adjusting my sleep pattern days before the flight.

Once on board, I settled into my seat, which is one of the widest business-class seats in the sky . I prepared my new home, laying out what I’d need during the flight and finding all the charging ports. The amenity kit and lavatories have some thoughtful products, like a wrinkle-reducing spray for clothes (important after a long flight). Because this flight departs in the evening, some people opted to change into pyjamas or loose-fitting clothing to help them get better rest – I committed to the spray.

Donning Pierre Balmain-designed sarong kebayas, flight attendants introduce themselves while I perused nearly 1,000 entertainment options. The crew addresses every passenger by their last name, and by the end of the flight, they have memorised every passenger, even as they say goodbye one by one at the departure door.

After takeoff, it was time for drinks and a movie. Singapore flight attendants are masters at the craft of hospitality. Wine and Champagne are poured at the seat with an explanation of the vineyard and how each pairs well with dishes from the menu.

The multi-course meal was served with great fanfare and included appetizers and main dishes from the airline’s partnership menu with Golden Door Spa. Served atop linens and tableware, the impressive meals specifically created for these super-long flights are served course by course. The menu and beverage list (including mocktails, juices, and smoothies) are designed for passengers to choose between more rest or energy before arrival. Some are high in anti-inflammatory properties, while others are rich in free radicals and antioxidants.

Menu dishes include Hudson Valley-sourced trout with greens from the airline’s own aeroponic farm or a braised short rib with cornbread pudding. Flight attendants told me that Singaporean chicken rice is one of the most popular pre-order dishes.

Later in the flight, the mood lighting changes, even pulsing a bit at times. It’s all been thoughtfully designed to help ease jet lag as much as possible en route. The bathrooms are immaculate, and flight attendants typically clean them between passengers.

Singapore serves a meal after takeoff, but unlike most airlines, the second meal is mid-flight rather than before landing. It’s not a dine-on-demand service, like Qatar Airways, either. This is meant to follow peoples’ body clocks but may interrupt your sleep. Midway through the flight, the lights come on, and flight attendants (still as immaculate as after takeoff) present another multi-course meal service. The airline’s famous satay and peanut sauce arrived with great fanfare, which was enough to make me feel ok about having to get up in the middle of my sleep.

After that, there is no other formal meal service, but the crew can deliver a range of menu items like sandwiches, soups, and salads, at any time. Luckily, this presents another chunk of time for sleeping: On the 19-hour flight, I slept for 11 hours in varying intervals, in large thanks to the meticulous turn down with linens and pillows.

What I wish I had known before departure

Singapore Airlines has two flights a day from the New York area (JFK and Newark). Technically, the JFK flight is just a bit longer at two miles more than Newark (9,527 miles versus 9,525).

The Singapore flight from JFK leaves in the evening, which means you can eat and then sleep hours after takeoff without needing to reset your internal clock . About halfway through the flight, you can wake up and enjoy more food, movies, and drinks (or catch up on work). Since the flight is so long, you still have time for another several hours of sleep before landing in Singapore in the morning, with the whole day ahead of you.

When departing Newark, the flight leaves in the morning. This means the reverse is true: you’re up for at least the first half of the flight and then naturally ready to sleep after that. But because the Newark flight lands in the evening, you probably don't want to sleep much mid-flight if you hope to rest on arrival.

My tips? Ask before takeoff for the exact meal service timing to mentally prepare your own sleeping and eating timetable. Also, don’t forget about Singapore’s Book the Cook service which allows you to order your preferred dish before takeoff. You’ll be able to select from more than a dozen options, which is more than what is offered on board. Lobster Thermidor? Thai or Indian curry dishes? Laksa soup? It’s all on offer (including for premium economy passengers), but only if you choose in advance.

If you’re curious about the menu, the airline makes it available on the reservation page online about one week before departure. There’s also unlimited, free Wi-Fi for business-class passengers. If I had known, I wouldn’t have downloaded so much work in advance, but I was grateful for the option to stay productive.

If you are flying premium economy, you’ll want to choose one of the solo window seats at the very back of the plane, which has extra space due to the curvature of the aircraft. But act fast: there are only six. Luckily, in business class , all seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration with maximum privacy.

Some travellers will prefer making a stop somewhere rather than such a long flight, but Singapore Airlines has a highly sought-after product. On several days this summer, the cheapest roundtrip airfare was about $2,700 in premium economy and $6,600 in business class. But, don’t be surprised to see the premium cabin reach into the five-digit range on many dates of the year. On the longest flight in the world, many fliers may want to trade cash for decent rest and more time at their destination. After all, that’s the benefit of a nonstop ultra-long-haul flight.

These Are the Longest Flights in the World

On these flights, you could watch the entire “jurassic park” franchise and still take a five-hour nap..

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During the world’s longest flights, sometimes fliers will experience more than one sunrise.

Photo by Shutterstock

As flight technology advances (such as being able to hold more and burn less fuel) and long-haul carriers make improved efforts to provide a more comfortable journey (be that with jet lag–reducing lighting, serving healthier food , and enhancing business-class and economy seats for a more comfortable journey), the longest flights in the world are gradually getting even longer. The lengthiest now connect cities on opposite sides of the globe and are upwards of 17 hours.

When Australia’s national carrier Qantas debuts its Project Sunrise routes in 2025 (which will include nonstop service between Sydney and both London and New York, at 10,573 and 9,950 miles, respectively), they will be the longest flights in the world ; the longer flight (London) will clock in at a staggering 20 hours.

What is the world’s longest flight?

Currently, the world’s longest flight is the 9,585-mile route between New York City and Singapore, operated by Singapore Airlines with a flying time of 18.5 hours. The flight takes place on an Airbus A350-900ULR, which is configured with 67 pod-style business-class seats and 94 premium economy seats—there are no regular economy seats.

As of fall 2023, the world’s longest flight is between New York City and this city-state in Asia.

Courtesy of Hu Chen/Unsplash

The longest flights in the world

Whether you love the idea of knocking out most or all of your travel time (and likely a few seasons of your favorite show) in one go or would rather avoid an ultra-long-haul journey and break it up with a layover ( stopover programs are a great way to sneak in added sightseeing between two legs of a trip), here are the 10 current longest flights in the world by miles.

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The 10 longest passenger flights in the world revealed.

Singapore Airlines relaunched nonstop service from Singapore to New York last fall. At this point, this is the world's longest nonstop commercial passenger flight. Nonetheless, there are other passenger flights that are pretty long as well. Let's take a look at the ten longest ones.

Singapore to New York

First of all, as mentioned above, we have Singapore to New York, or, more specifically, Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

This flight covers a distance of approximately 15,350 km in about 18 and 1/2 hours.

Singapore Airlines uses an Airbus A350-900ULR on this route. Interestingly, there are no Economy Class seats on this flight. Instead, the airline offers seats in Business Class and Premium Economy only on its nonstop between Singapore and New York.

Doha to Auckland

Secondly, there is Qatar Airways ' flight from Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Auckland Airport (AKL). At a little over 14,500 km, this flight is actually quite a bit shorter than Singapore Airlines' flight. Nonetheless, travelers will still spend about 16 hours and 30 minutes in the air.

Qatar Airways uses the Boeing 777-200LR on this route.

Perth to London

Qantas' flight from Perth Airport (PER) to London Heathrow (LHR) comes in at number 3. It is only barely shorter than the Doha to Auckland flight and covers a distance of 14,499 km. The flying time is typically around 17 hours and 30 minutes.

Australia's flag carrier operates one of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners between Australia and London.

Dubai to Auckland

The fourth longest commercial passenger flight is Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Auckland Airport (AKL). Of course, this 14,200 km flight is offered by Emirates.

The airline operates an Airbus A380-800 on this 15 hour and 45 minute flight.

Singapore to Los Angeles

The Singapore Airlines nonstop flight between Singapore Changi (SIN) and Los Angeles International (LAX) is also relatively new. As a matter of fact, the airline just started nonstop service between the two cities last November. Previously, Singapore's flag carrier connected the two cities with a stop at either Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Seoul's Incheon International Airport (ICN). Singapore Airlines operates the Airbus A350-900ULR on this route as well.

The distance between Singapore and Los Angeles is about 14,100 km. Travelers arrive at their destination after a 16-hour flight.

Houston to Sydney

Next up, we have United Airlines' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Sydney Airport (SYD).

At a distance of 13,830 km and a flying time of 17 hours and 30 minutes, it is still a pretty long flight.

Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth

The seventh-place goes to Qantas . Its flight between Sydney Airport (SYD) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) covers a distance of approximately 13,800 km and takes 15 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

This flight is operated on an Airbus A380-800.

Manila to New York

Philippine Airlines' flight between Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is another fairly new flight. As a matter of fact, the airline just started service on this 13,700 km route last October. If you decide to travel nonstop between the Philippines and New York, you can expect to spend about 15 hours and 35 minutes in the air.

Philippine Airlines' passengers travel on an Airbus A350-900 between the two cities.

San Francisco to Singapore

The ninth longest commercial passenger flight, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Singapore Changi (SIN), is offered by two airlines. In fact, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines transport passengers nonstop on this 13,580 km route.

While Singapore Airlines once again uses the Airbus A350-900ULR for this flight, United Airlines uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Singapore Airlines' passengers will arrive at their destination about 20 minutes faster than United Airlines' passengers (16 hours and 40 minutes vs. 17 hours).

Atlanta to Johannesburg

Last but not least we have Delta Air Lines' flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). This 13,580 km flight has a flight time of 15 hours and 15 minutes.

Passengers can expect to travel on one of Delta's Boeing 777-200LR aircraft.

Have you ever flown on any of these ten longest nonstop routes? Share your experience with us.

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The Top 10 longest non-stop flights in the world in 2024

Traveling to faraway places is easier than ever with modern non-stop long-haul flights, allowing passengers to travel long distances without interruptions or changing planes.  

Here we detail the Top 10 world’s longest non-stop flights in 2024, which offer a combination of comfort, service, and advanced technology. 

Join us on a virtual tour to discover intriguing details about different airlines , flight durations, and the incredible distances they cover!

We’ll start by exploring the shortest flight and progressively move up to the world’s longest non-stop flight.

10. United Airlines – Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD)  

• Flight time and distance : 17 hours and 30 minutes, 8,596 miles 
• Aircraft type : Boeing 787-9 
• Services and classes onboard : the aircraft features different cabin classes, including Economy Class (149 seats), Economy Plus (39 seats), and United Polaris Business Class (48 seats). 

The aircraft is designed with notably large windows, allowing natural light to fill the cabin and provide some stunning views. 

9. Qantas – Darwin (DRW) to London (LHR)  

• Flight time and distance : 17 hours and 55 minutes, 8,620 miles
• Services and classes onboard : identical to the Perth (PER) to London (LHR).

8. Air India – Bangalore (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO)

• Flight time and distance : 16 hours and 10 minutes, 8,701 miles
• Aircraft type : Boeing 777 -200LR (Long Range)
• Services and classes onboard : Economy Class (195 seats), Business Class (35 seats), and a luxurious First-Class cabin (8 seats).
• Inflight meals : Passengers can enjoy plant-based meals such as vegetable kebabs, and Thai red curry with tofu. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner options include fusion dishes like mushroom scrambled egg and achari paneer as well as classics like roast tomato and bocconcini caprese. The dessert selection features indulgent treats like mango passionfruit delight, quinoa orange kheer, and espresso almond crumble mousse cake.

7. Singapore Airlines – Singapore (SIN) to Los Angeles (LAX)

• Flight time and distance : 15 hours and 10 minutes, 8,770 miles
• Aircraft type : Airbus A350 -900ULR (Ultra Long Range)
• Services and classes onboard : Premium Economy Class (94 seats), Business Class (67 seats)

6. Emirates – Dubai (DXB) to Auckland (AKL)

• Flight time and distance : 15 hours and 55 minutes, 8,824 miles
• Aircraft type : Boeing 777-200LR (Long Range)
• Services and classes onboard : Economy Class (216 seats), Business Class (42 seats), and a luxurious First-Class cabin (8 seats).
• Inflight meals : First-class passengers enjoy a wide selection of beverages, including fine wines. Also, five appetizers, four main courses, four desserts, chocolates, and light bites. The menu caters to many different tastes, with some dishes influenced by Arabic cuisine and others showcasing international flavors. In economy class passengers can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options, but each dish category offers only two choices. 

5. Air New Zealand – Auckland (AKL) to New York (JFK)

• Flight time and distance : 16 hours and 15 minutes, 8,828 miles
• Aircraft type : Boeing 787-9
• Services and classes onboard : Economy Class (263 seats), Premium Economy (21 seats), and Business Premier (18 seats).

4. Qantas – Melbourne (MEL) to Dallas (DFW)

• Flight time and distance : 18 hours and 15 minutes, 8,992 miles

3. Qantas- Perth (PER) to London (LHR)

• Flight time and distance : 17 hours and 32 minutes, 9,010 miles
• Services and classes onboard : Economy Class (166 seats), Premium Economy Class (28 seats), and Business Class (42 seats).

2. Singapore Airlines – Singapore (SIN) to Newark (EWR)

• Flight time and distance : 18 hours and 25 minutes, 9,523 miles
• Aircraft type : Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range)
• Services and classes onboard : Premium Economy Class (94 seats), Business Class (67 seats).

1. Singapore Airlines- Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK)

• Flight time and distance : 18 hours and 7 minutes, 9,537 miles

Qantas’ ambitious non-stop flights to London and New York by the end of 2025

Qantas recently announced its plans to launch the world’s first non-stop commercial flight from Sydney to London and New York . Currently planned to commence by the end of 2025, the service will mark a significant achievement in conquering the challenges posed by long-haul travel and the vast distances involved. In 2019, Qantas conducted trial or research flights, including a remarkable 19-hour and 19-minute journey covering 11,030 miles from London to Sydney.

To realize this ambitious undertaking, Qantas has made substantial progress, ordering 12 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft exclusively to operate these groundbreaking ‘Project Sunrise’ flights to major cities like London and New York. The cutting-edge aircraft will accommodate 238 passengers and boast impressive features such as first-class suites, spacious economy sections, and a dedicated well-being zone, allowing passengers to engage in exercise and movement.

What’s more, Qantas has prioritized sustainability by equipping the A350-1000 planes with highly fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 turbofan engines, underscoring the airline’s commitment to environmentally conscious aviation practices. 

Curious about Qantas’s ‘Project Sunrise’? Here’s a recap of what we know so far.

Qantas unveils ‘Project Sunrise’ A350 suites

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The world’s longest nonstop flights, updated

Ultra-long-haul flights are back in the air after a brief pause during the pandemic. These flights, which can take as long as 19 hours, connect some of the world's biggest cities without a stop in an intermediate hub.

Singapore Airlines has long been known for operating some of the world's longest flights. The carrier connects Singapore with two New York City-area airports on a daily basis, and both routes top the list of the world's longest flights.

Other carriers have recently launched new and interesting ultra-long-haul routes, including Air New Zealand's new flight from New York to Auckland, New Zealand , which took off last September.

While Air New Zealand was a newcomer to the top 10 list last year, Qantas is giving the airline a run for its money by launching its own route from New York to Auckland this week. At 8,829 miles, it will tie with Air New Zealand's service as the world's fifth-longest flight.

Qantas is no stranger to ultra-long-haul flying. (It's just too bad its existing wide-body fleet doesn't yet feature Wi-Fi.) The airline also holds the title for the world's third, fourth and 10th longest flights; in a few years, it might also hold the record for the longest.

That's because Qantas' "Project Sunrise" routes will include nonstop service from Sydney to both London (10,573 miles) and New York (9,950 miles). Although the airline ran proof-of-concept tests in 2019, those flights are not expected to launch until at least 2025 , so they don't make the list yet.

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So, what are the world's longest routes right now?

Here are the top 10 longest routes operating in June 2023 measured by statute miles as calculated by travel data firm OAG. (Note: For consistency, all mileage calculations come courtesy of OAG. Other data providers may show slightly different mileage calculations depending on their methodology.) Duration of flight data comes from Cirium, an aviation data service.

We've listed the flight that typically has the longest scheduled flying time, normally the one that flies in the direction of typical head winds. Given geopolitical tensions associated with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some actual flight times might be considerably longer than what is listed as airlines avoid Russian airspace. Other routes that might not normally make the cut — such as Cathay Pacific's New York-to-Hong Kong route — are flying longer-than-normal flight paths as they also seek to avoid Russian airspace.

Additionally, keep in mind that the listed times are those that are blocked in airline schedules; during actual travel, flights can be shorter or longer depending on the winds.

Scroll down to see the full list, and we'll update it regularly as new routes begin and suspended ones resume.

Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG's free biweekly Aviation newsletter .

1. Singapore Airlines: New York to Singapore

• Route: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
• Flight number: SQ 23/24.
• Aircraft flying: Airbus A350-900ULR .
• Calculated distance: 9,527 miles.
• Duration of flight: 18 hours, 50 minutes.

2. Singapore Airlines: Newark to Singapore

• Route: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to SIN.
• Flight number: SQ 21/22.
• Calculated distance: 9,525 miles.
• Duration of flight: 18 hours, 45 minutes.

3. Qantas: Perth, Australia, to London

• Route: Perth Airport (PER) to Heathrow Airport (LHR).
• Flight number: QF 9/10.
• Aircraft flying: Boeing 787-9 .
• Calculated distance: 9,009 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 20 minutes.

4. Qantas: Dallas to Melbourne, Australia

• Route: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Melbourne Airport (MEL).
• Flight number: QF 21/22.
• Calculated distance: 8,990 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 35 minutes.

5. Air New Zealand: New York to Auckland

• Route: JFK to Auckland Airport (AKL).
• Flight number: NZ 1/2.
• Calculated distance: 8,829 miles.

5. Qantas: New York to Auckland

• Route: JFK to AKL.
• Flight number: QF 3/4.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 30 minutes.

6. Emirates: Dubai to Auckland

• Route: Dubai International Airport (DXB) to AKL.
• Flight number: EK 448/449.
• Aircraft flying: Airbus A380-800 .
• Calculated distance: 8,819 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 5 minutes.

7. Singapore Airlines: Los Angeles to Singapore

• Route: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to SIN.
• Flight number: SQ 35/36/37/38.
• Calculated distance: 8,759 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 10 minutes.

8. Air India: San Francisco to Bengaluru, India

• Route: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR).
• Flight number: AI 175/176.
• Aircraft flying: Boeing 777-200LR.
• Calculated distance: 8,688 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours, 55 minutes.

9. Qantas: Dallas to Sydney

• Route: DFW to Sydney Airport (SYD).
• Flight number: QF 7/8.
• Calculated distance: 8,576 miles.
• Duration of flight: 16 hours, 45 minutes.

10: Philippine Airlines: New York to Manila, Philippines

• Route: JFK to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
• Flight number: PR 126/127.
• Aircraft flying: Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER.
• Calculated distance: 8,507 miles.
• Duration of flight: 17 hours.

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10 longest flights in the world

Several super long haul flights have been reinstated, but what are the longest flights in the world.

W ith Covid-related travel restrictions lifting around the world, super-long-haul flights, with journey times lasting upwards of 16 hours, are back in a big way. Some of the longest routes have been reinstated — such as Qantas’ direct flight between London and Perth in Australia — while new routes are being introduced, including a non-stop service from Auckland to New York with Air New Zealand from September. And in some cases, already lengthy routes have been extended due to the war in Ukraine , as airlines seek to avoid Russian and Ukrainian airspace.

With this in mind, here are some of the world’s longest flights, ranked by distances provided by FlightRadar24 .

Main photo: an Air New Zealand plane at Auckland Airport (Getty Images)

1. New York to Singapore: 15,349km

Singapore is one of the world’s most popular stopover destinations and its flagship carrier, Singapore Airlines, also operates several of the longest routes, including a service between Singapore Changi Airport and John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, spanning 15,349km.

The daily non-stop service, using an Airbus A350-900, has a scheduled time of 18 hours 50 minutes for the New York to Singapore leg (SQ23) and 18 hours 40 minutes for the return journey (SQ24).

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2. Newark to Singapore: 15,345km

Missing the top spot by a mere 4km is the flight between Singapore Changi Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, which has a distance of 15,345km. Although Newark is in New Jersey, the airport also serves New York due to its proximity to Manhattan.

The daily non-stop route is operated by Singapore Airlines using an Airbus A350-900, and has a scheduled time of 18 hours 45 minutes from Newark to Singapore (SQ21) and 18 hours 25 minutes for the return (SQ22).

• Best hotels in Singapore

3. Perth to London: 14,498km

Paused for much of the pandemic, the direct flight between Perth in Western Australia and London was reinstated in May 2022, taking over from Darwin in the Northern Territory as the entry point to Australia. Connecting flights to other Australian states are available from Perth.

Qantas uses a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to operate this route, with the journey taking 17 hours and 15 minutes from Perth to London (QF9) and 16 hours and 45 minutes on the return (QF10).

• Everything you need to know about visiting Perth

4. Dallas/Fort Worth to Melbourne: 14,472km

Qantas’ super long haul ambitions continue with a new direct route connecting Melbourne in Victoria to Dallas/Fort Worth in the heart of the US. It’s due to launch on December 2, 2022. This is actually the second time the airline has operated the route — it previously served the two cities in 2011. This time round, the airline will be using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The flight from Dallas to Melbourne is expected to take 17 hours and 25 minutes due to prevailing winds, and 15 hours and 45 minutes going the other way.

• Best things to do in Melbourne

5. New York to Auckland: 14,207km

Air New Zealand’s flagship service to New York will officially launch on September 17, 2022. The direct flight from Auckland will connect the two destinations for the first time and will span 14,207km. The flight from New York to New Zealand will take approximately 17 and a half hours while the journey back will take just over 16 hours. A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will operate on both legs.

Qantas is planning to serve the same route from June 13, 2023, as part of a service between Sydney and New York.

• Best things to do in New Zealand

6. Auckland to Dubai: 14,200km

Emirates is resuming its direct flights between Dubai and Auckland on December 1, 2022. At the moment, the airline serves the two destinations with a stop-over in Kuala Lumpur but it has decided that there’s enough demand to serve both destinations separately, and on an Airbus A380 no less.

The flight from Auckland to Dubai takes slightly longer at 17 hours and 10 minutes (EK449) while the same journey the other way takes 16 hours (EK448).

• Best all inclusive hotels in Dubai

7. Los Angeles to Singapore: 14,114km

Singapore Airlines’ third entry is a daily service between Singapore and Los Angeles . This service is also operated using an Airbus A350-900.

The distance between Singapore Changi Airport and Los Angeles International Airport is 14,114km, with the flight going over the North Pacific rather than the Atlantic. Based on current flight schedules, the LA to Singapore leg (SQ37) is 17 hours 10 minutes while the return leg (SQ38) is 15 hours 55 minutes.

• Best hotels in Los Angeles

8. Houston to Sydney: 13,834km

United Airlines is resuming its Houston to Sydney flight on October 28, 2022 — a route it last operated in 2020 before it was cancelled during the early days of the Covid pandemic. The non-stop flights will be operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The Houston to Sydney flight (UA101) is significantly longer at 17 hour 35 minutes, while the return leg (UA100) is two hours shorter at 15 hour 35 minutes.

• Best things to do in Sydney

9. Dallas/Fort Worth to Sydney: 13,804km

Qantas wants to connect Sydney to New York as part of Project Sunrise but, for now, it has a direct flight between Sydney Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas. The distance is 13,804km and the airline operates the route daily using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The outward journey from Dallas/Fort Worth to Sydney (QF8) takes 16 hours 45 minutes while the return leg (QF7) takes 15 hours 20 minutes.

• Best hotels in Sydney

10. San Francisco to Singapore: 13,593km

The route between Singapore Changi Airport and San Francisco International Airport is served by two airlines.

Singapore Airlines flies daily, and has a scheduled journey time of 17 hours from San Francisco to Singapore (SQ33) and 15 hours 25 minutes for the return (SQ34), both using an Airbus A350-900. United Airlines flies several times a week, and has a scheduled journey time of 17 hours from San Francisco to Singapore (UA1) and 14 hours 50 minutes for the return (UA2), both on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

• How to beat jet lag • How to get cheap flights

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I slept through the longest flight in the world. Here's my secret. | Cruising Altitude

SINGAPORE − I did a lot of flying last week, even as an airline reporter. My journeys even helped me complete an avgeek rite of passage: I took the longest flight in the world, from New York to Singapore, on March 11-13 and returned March 16.

I flew as a guest of Singapore Airlines to cover updates to its premium economy service offerings and to experience these flights while they’re still the longest in the world. Qantas, the Australian Airline, is set to claim that title from Singapore when it inaugurates nonstop round-trip flights from Sydney to New York and London in mid-2026.

Those Qantas flights are expected to take up to 20 hours each way, but for now, Singapore’s 18-plus-hour services between New York and Singapore remain the longest regularly scheduled commercial flights, even when favorable winds sometimes help them cover the distance faster.

Flying ultra-long-haul is similar in many ways to other flights: You’re still in a pressurized metal tube screaming through the troposphere, but as I heard from Singapore Airlines executives – and witnessed for myself – onboard service takes on an even greater importance when you spend nearly a full day in the air.

Here’s what it was like aboard the longest flights in the world.

The importance of meals

Antony McNeil, Singapore Airlines’ food and beverage director, told me that meal timing and composition make a big difference to passenger comfort on extra-long flights.

“The intention is that within three hours of departing, you’ve already started your first meal service,” he said. “Then six, seven hours (later), the crew will come back, so midflight you’re eating quite a large meal. If you want to sleep on departure, you know you’re not going to miss out.” 

McNeil said it’s important that meals don’t leave passengers feeling too bloated on such long flights.

“The meals that we offer at those times of the flight allow you to rest more comfortably,” he said. “They’re really designed to help you feel fuller for longer, so you’re not looking for snacks. Some American carriers on long-haul flights, they’re serving you really creamy dishes, creamy pastas, they’re heavy, you don’t feel good after you’ve eaten them, whereas we want to reverse that. We want to go in the other direction. Feel good, feel better for longer, enjoy the experience.”

On the way to Singapore I had:

• Smoked salmon salad
• Garlic bread
• Sea bass with potatoes (if memory serves correctly)
• A Lindor chocolate ball
• Noodles with chicken
• Lamb chops 
• A Kit Kat bar

On the way home I had:

• Lots of tea and water
• Duck confit
• Chocolate mousse cake
• Chicken satay
• Beef au jus with polenta
• Potato chips
• Cheese and onion potato chips

Meals also help break up the flight into more manageable chunks if you can’t manage to sleep. 

The flight from New York JFK departs around 11:30 p.m. daily and arrives two days later around 6 a.m. (meaning, my flight departed on the night of March 11 and arrived in Singapore on the morning of March 13). I slept quite a bit on the way to Singapore, so I didn’t experience the full service flow, but on the way home, the flight departed Singapore around 12:30 in the afternoon and arrived in New York around 6 p.m. On that flight, I really appreciated the meal timing, which was great for watching a movie and taking a nap between services, and it helped the nearly 18 hours on board feel arguably reasonable.

How it compares with shorter flights

McNeil said longer flights allow Singapore Airlines to offer more stretched-out delivery with every meal service.

“Compared to a short-haul, let’s say you’re going from here to Jakarta, one hour, 40 (minutes) maybe, that’s one meal service. First class, business class is a tray, everything’s on the tray,” he said. “On a midhaul flight, your service may have a table layout. You may get your tray, salad, appetizer; they’ll remove the tray and then bring you a plated main course, so there’s different service elements in the distances you’re traveling and it’s differentiated by flight departure, distance and, of course, what the crew can deliver within safety requirements.” 

Singapore Airlines also flies special aircraft on its ultra-long-haul flights. The Airbus A350-900ULR jets it uses have only two service classes on board: premium economy and business class, meaning all travelers experience an elevated inflight service on the airline’s longest flights. 

Tips for sleeping like a pro on a plane

One thing I’m very fortunate about is that I tend to sleep well on planes, even in the cheap seats. I wasn’t paying close attention, but on the way to Singapore I think I managed eight to 10 hours of sleep total. At any rate, I slept enough that one of the flight attendants commented to me as we prepared for landing that he was impressed with my ability to be unconscious. On the way home, I made an effort to stay awake so I’d be ready for bed at a normal time in New York but still snuck in two two-hour naps between meals.

Just before leaving for Singapore, I also flew back from another assignment in Cape Town. On the nearly 16-hour flight to Atlanta, I again managed seven to eight hours of sleep. 

I don’t say all this to brag, I say it to help. 

What’s my secret? On the Singapore trip, it was sheer exhaustion, but on most flights of 10 hours or more, I have a routine that helps me get down.

I try to book a flight as late in the evening as possible so I’m already tired as we’re leaving. I do my best to stay awake through the first meal service, which typically happens within the first hour or two of the flight, and have dinner so I don’t wake up hungry midway through the journey. Then I take a dose of a well-known over-the-counter cough and cold medicine that makes you drowsy (in gel cap form) as I wait for the meal tray to get cleared.

I acknowledge that there’s some debate about the safety of taking a sleeping aid on a plane: If there's an emergency, I know I won’t be firing on all cylinders if I wake up from a medically induced stupor to evacuate, but it’s a risk I’ve decided I’m willing to take to catch some Zs and help the flight pass more quickly.

This cold medicine routine has helped me log nearly a full night’s sleep on most 10-plus-hour flights I’ve taken in recent years, and I now pass my professional traveler wisdom onto you.

So next time you’re flying an especially long distance, pay attention to what you’re choosing to eat, and consider taking a sleep aid you know you can tolerate it well.

Also: Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. It’s no secret that being on a plane for a long time can dry you out.

The reporter on this story received access to this event from Singapore Airlines. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content. 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

The 10 longest routes in the world flown by airlines, ranked by distance

• Singapore Airlines currently holds the title for operating the world's two longest flights at over 9,500 miles each.
• The pandemic forced some one-off long-haul records, like Air Tahiti Nui's 9,765-mile trek from Papeete to Paris.
• Air New Zealand recently joined the ranks when it launched its new 8,828-mile route between New York and Auckland.

During the pandemic, airlines worldwide were forced to pause dozens of long-haul routes due to border restrictions and low international demand.

This meant ultra-long-haul routes, like Qantas' Perth to London service and Delta Air Lines' Atlanta to Johannesburg flight, were suspended. However, since COVID-era restrictions have lifted in most nations, carriers are once again ferrying passengers on flights 15+ hours on routes stretching nearly 10,000 miles.

Historically, Singapore Airlines held the title for the world's longest flight , which traveled a whopping 9,534 miles nonstop between Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Singapore.

Although the nonstop Newark route was restored in March 2022, Singapore actually returned to New York City in November 2020 but instead flew to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The carrier said the decision was made "to better accommodate a mix of passenger and cargo traffic on its services to New York in the current operating climate." The route became the new world's longest flight by just two nautical miles over Newark and still holds the record, according to aviation data analytics firm Official Airline Guide (OAG)

Today, Singapore flies to both New York-JFK and Newark and has made efforts to ensure the journey is comfortable. Specifically, the airline has installed luxurious business and premium economy seats onboard and created a "wellness" menu that has "farm-to-plane" meals to help with things like indigestion.

The latest airline to make the list is Air New Zealand, which flew a nearly 18-hour flight from New York to Auckland on September 17 . The route between the two cities stretches 8,828 miles, becoming the world's new fourth-longest flight and kicking Saudia's flight between Jeddah and Los Angeles to number 11.

With airlines reinstating and introducing new long-haul flying, the list of the world's 10 longest flights has changed over the years. The outlined routes are excruciatingly long, varying from 15 hours to nearly 19 hours.

Take a closer look at the world's top 10 longest flights by distance as of August 2022:

10. From Dubai to Los Angeles

Airline: Emirates

Aircraft: Airbus A380

Distance: 8,324 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 50 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 20 minutes

9. From Atlanta to Johannesburg

Airline: Delta Air Lines

Aircraft: Airbus A350-900

Distance: 8,434 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 30 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 50 minutes

8. From San Francisco to Singapore

Airlines: United Airlines and Singapore Airlines

Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (United) | Airbus A350-900 (Singapore)

Distance: 8,435 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 15 minutes (United) | 16 hours and 40 minutes (Singapore)

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 25 minutes (United) | 15 hours and 25 minutes (Singapore)

7. From Manila to New York

Airline: Philippine Airlines

Distance: 8,507 miles

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Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 15 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 55 minutes

6. From Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

Airline: Qantas

Aircraft: Boeing 787-9

Distance: 8,576 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 20 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 45 minutes

5. From Singapore to Los Angeles

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 15 hours and 55 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours and 10 minutes

4. From Auckland to New York

Airline: Air New Zealand

Distance: 8,828 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours and 35 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 16 hours and 15 minutes

3. From Perth to London Heathrow

Distance: 9,009 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours and 15 minutes

2. From Newark, New Jersey to Singapore

Distance: 9,525 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours and 45 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours and 25 minutes

1. From New York to Singapore

Distance: 9,527 miles

Outbound Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours and 50 minutes

Return Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours and 40 minutes

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