The 10 longest flights in the world

Ultra-long-haul flight is pushing the limits of aviation thanks to new aircraft and cutting-edge technologies, as well as a demand for seamless travel across borders. Most nonstop routes today exceed 18 hours in length and cover more than 10,000 miles. These routes connect cities like Singapore with New York or Auckland with Doha on a single leg. Ahead, we’ve compiled some of the longest commercial flights on carriers like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand—plus expert-approved strategies to help you make the most of every mile on these marathon journeys at 35,000 feet.

1. New York JFK to Singapore SIN

Flight time: 18 hours, 40 minutes
Carrier: Singapore Airlines
Mileage: 9,536

Singapore Airlines’ New York City-Singapore flight is the longest passenger flight in the world, both in terms of distance and duration. The Airbus A350 900ULR is specially configured for ultra-long range travel, with increased fuel capacity and comfort. It also features a unique two-class layout—with business class You can also find out more about the following: premium economy (read: no standard economy)—to optimize the onboard experience for this marathon journey.

2. Singapore (SIN), Newark (EWR). 

Flight time: 18 hours and 25 Minutes
Carrier: Singapore Airlines
Mileage: 9,523

This Singapore to Newark flight clocks in just shy of 18 hours and 30 minutes—slightly shorter than its New York-to-Singapore counterpart listed above. This flight is operated by the Airbus A350 900ULR which, as mentioned earlier, only offers premium economy and business classes.

3. New York JFK to Auckland AKL

Flight time: 18 Hours
Carrier: Air New Zealand, Qantas
Mileage: 8,828

Air New Zealand’s 18-hour flight connects New Zealand with the U.S. East Coast in an unusually long, nonstop route. It’s operated by a specially configured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring 18 business class seats, 21 premium economy seats, and 263 economy seats—including several Economy Skycouch rowsThe adjustable leg rests allow standard chairs to be transformed into flat-lay couch-style seating.

Air New Zealand will begin flying in May 2025. newly retrofitted Dreamliners The devices are equipped with a larger screen, Bluetooth audio, and the option of using personal devices as remote controls. In 2026, the airline will roll out its innovative “Skynest” sleeping pods—a bunk-bed-style setup designed to give economy passengers a place to lie flat and rest during ultra-long-haul flights.

Qantas offers the same route as Qantas on the same aircraft.

4. San Francisco (SFO) to Bengaluru (BLR)

Flight time: 17 hours and 55 Minutes
Carrier: Air India
Mileage: 8,701

Air India’s San Francisco-Bengaluru route, launched in 2021 and just five minutes short of 18 hours, covers 8,701 miles.

The Boeing 777 200LR aircraft is used for the trip, which was specifically designed to cover these long-distance routes. Passengers can expect to find a three-class layout onboard. This includes business class, which has lie-flat seats and premium economy. While the product may not be the most cutting-edge among international carriers, the route, which connects two tech hubs—Silicon Valley and Bengaluru—makes it a major draw for business travelers.

5. Los Angeles (LAX), Singapore (SIN).

Flight time: 17 hours, 35 minutes
Carrier: Singapore Airlines
Mileage: 8,762

This 17-hour-and-35-minute flight from Los Angeles, California to Singapore, Singapore, is the longest nonstop flight in the world. Singapore Airlines operates this route on the Airbus A350 900ULR. It is notable that the economy cabin is not available. This route not only links two global business hubs but also acts as a gateway for U.S. tourists heading to Southeast Asia.

6. Dallas (DFW), Melbourne, (MEL),

Flight time: 17 hours, 35 minutes
Carrier: Qantas
Mileage: 8,990

This Qantas Dreamliner flight, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, covers nearly 9,000 miles and connects Australia to the southern United States within 18 hours. No need for stopovers in Los Angeles, Sydney, or other cities. The flight is designed to accommodate both business and leisure travellers. There are options for premium economy, standard economy, and lie-flat seats in business class. American Airlines, a partner airline, offers many destinations in the U.S. from Dallas.

7. Perth (PER) – London (LHR).

Flight time: 17 hours 30 minutes
Carrier: Qantas
Mileage: 9,009

The Qantas flight between Perth and London was the very first nonstop commercial service to connect Australia with the United Kingdom. In 2018, it was the first nonstop commercial flight between Australia and the United Kingdom. The flight covered more than 9,500 miles in 17.5 hour, marking a milestone for ultra-long distance travel. On the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner you will find business class cabins that lie flat, as well as premium economy and standard economic cabins.

8. Dallas (DFW), Sydney, (SYD).

Flight time: 17 hours 15 minutes
Carrier: Qantas
Mileage: 8,580

This Dallas to Sydney flight is also considered as one of longest nonstop flights in the commercial aviation industry. Qantas primarily operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for international routes such as this flight. However, in August 2025 the airline will start to alternate with the Airbus A380. This aircraft has more seats, and it is the only Qantas aircraft with a first-class. The aircraft will have 14 first-class seating, 70 business seats, 60 premium seats and 341 economy.

9. Auckland (AKL), Doha (DOH).

Flight time: 17 hours 20 minutes
Carrier: Qatar Airways
Mileage: 9,031

Qatar Airways’ Auckland-Doha flight route is one of the longest in the world, covering a distance of 9,031 kilometers. Qatar Airways offers its award-winning Qsuite Business Class on the Airbus A350-1000. The class features fully lie-flat beds, sliding privacy doors, and is available in both economy and business class. In economy class, passengers enjoy generous legroom as well as a variety of inflight entertainment options.

This route not only connects New Zealand to the Middle East but also offers convenient connections to Europe and Asia through Qatar Airways’ hub located at Hamad International Airport Doha.

10. Auckland (AKL), Dubai DXB

Flight time: 17 hours, 5 minutes
Carrier: Emirates
Mileage: 8,823

Emirates’ Auckland-Dubai service is one of the longest A380 flights in the World, covering 8,823 mile in just under 17 hours. This route acts as a gateway to destinations throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and beyond, thanks in part to Emirates’ extensive global network.

The airline’s signature amenities are available on the double-decker aircraft: private first-class suitesPremium cabins have a bar and lounge on board, while economy cabins are spacious.

How to survive ultra-long-haul flights

Snacks and meals that are light but nutrient-dense will be more satisfying.

It’s important to eat light meals before a long flight to stay energized and comfortable. Lauren ManakerDietitian, registered in Charleston, South Carolina. Avoid greasy, heavy meals, carbonated drinks and foods that are hard to digest. Manaker suggests bringing healthy snacks to keep you energized during your flight.

Stay hydrated.

Manaker explains that staying hydrated is important during a flight because cabin air can get quite dry. “Try drinking water frequently throughout the flight. At least a cup should be consumed every hour.”

While not essential, she notes that electrolyte supplements can be helpful—especially on longer flights—as they replenish key minerals and support hydration more effectively than water alone. One of the options she uses is Now’s Effer-Hydrate Effervescent TabletsThey are easy to add to the water in the air.

Your destination’s time zone will be adjusted.

You should adjust your clocks when you board the flight to the time of your destination. Also, try to eat, rest, and function in the new zone. Dr. Rebecca Robbins“For example, if you board an overnight flight from New York to London, it is most certainly the middle of the night at your destination.” -, a sleeping scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. If you take an overnight flight to London from New York, your destination will be in the middle of night. She suggests eating an earlier dinner on the morning of your departure, skipping in-flight beverages and meals, and not being disturbed by flight attendants so that you can sleep.

Sleeping arrangements are important.

Dr. Robins suggests that you travel with sleep accessories such as eye masks and earplugs. Travel + LeisureYou can also bring along items that provide comfort, such as a scarf or blanket. You may also want to bring comforting items, such as a scarf or blanket that you can use as a cover.

Relax by using meditation.

According to Dr. Robbins, if you find yourself exhausted but unable to sleep—a common challenge when crossing time zones—focusing on breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques can help calm your body and ease you into a restful state. Close your eyes, and meditate if you’re having trouble sleeping. “Pay attention to your breathing, and then visualize an intense light shining at your third-eye. Concentrate all your attention on the light. Expand the light as you inhale and shrink it when you exhale.

Consider taking melatonin.

Take melatonin tablet or exogenous melatonin. coping with jetlag Dr. Robbins explains that melatonin can be helpful. Melatonin, according to the expert, is used for problems relating to mismatches between our internally-coded sleep and wake time and the patterns of light and darkness surrounding us or social time in a foreign destination. Always consult your doctor before beginning any new supplement.