- The longest flight on earth is 18 hours, 45 minutes. It connects New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport with Singapore Changi International Airport.
- For the flight attendants who work this ultra-long-haul route, the work presents unique challenges—as well as unique ways to connect with passengers.
- Flight attendants are constantly looking for ways to make the work they do more interesting and fun.
There are long-haul and short-haul flights. ultra-long-haul flightsIt is a totally different animal.
The longest nonstop flight currently in the world is 18 hours 45 minutes long. It connects New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Singapore Changi International Airport. This is a real test of endurance for most passengers. For flight attendants, it’s just another day at the office—albeit one that happens to be 38,000 feet in the air.
We spoke to Madeline Khaw, one of the leading flight attendants at Singapore Airlines We spoke to a woman who flies the ultra-long haul route regularly to find out what it is like. She also shared her tips on how to make long-haul flights comfortable.
What it’s like to work the longest flight in world
Singapore Airlines
For most people, the idea of being a flight attendant might bring to mind images of glamorous travel to far-off destinations—but Khaw says that there’s much more to being a flight attendant. The logistics alone are astounding on this route. The crew works in shifts because the flight lasts 18 hours.
Khaw explains that “the crew is divided up into designated rest periods” in the bunks. “It is important that every crew member gets adequate rest.” adequate restThey’re also alert, able to deliver consistent service and meet the safety standards required throughout the trip.”
Sleeping at 38,000 feet also presents some challenges. Khaw explains that crews can recharge in designated rest areas, but it is sometimes difficult to sleep due to cabin noise or turbulence.
The impact on crew members is far more than just being tired. Readjusting to 12 to 15-hour time zones can have a negative impact on sleep and well-being.
Khaw says that long-haul flying comes with its own challenges. Fatigue is one of them. Over time, this may lead to persistent fatigue and breakouts.
Khaw’s reality forced him to be proactive in his self-care.
She says that facial masks are a necessity in her skincare routine. “Especially hydrating masks, they help combat the effects of dry cabin air and jet-lag.”
Long flight times also produce unique team dynamics. The crew begins preparing for the long flight before it takes off. They have a roster that is designed to help them prepare and recover after these demanding flights.
“From the moment we begin our duties, there’s an unspoken understanding that we’ll need to rely on each other throughout the 18 hours—not just for service efficiency, but also to maintain morale and energy,” Khaw explains.
Even small moments can be important during a journey of this length. She says that sharing a moment or a joke with crew members during a downtime is an energy booster.
What passengers are like at 38,000 feet in 18 hours
Singapore Airlines
The way in which passenger interactions develop over such a long time is what makes this route so unique. The 18-hour trip reveals a “fuller spectrum of human behaviour” than shorter flights, where passengers tend to maintain a consistent mood.
She says, “We often see people going from excited and fresh to tired or emotional before returning to a more positive demeanor as they near the landing.”
Khaw has had some of her most memorable career moments because of the length of the route. She remembers one flight where a passenger struggled to connect with the Wi-Fi onboard while trying to send a crucial email.
Khaw says, “I took the unconventional step of offering him my own device. I knew that I would have wanted someone to make the same offer if I was in his position.” This allowed him to send the email quickly and enjoy his flight.
But the story is not over yet.
Khaw explains that what happened next was really moving. “Having remembered my birthday from our brief conversation, he would send a simple birthday greeting to me every year—a small but meaningful reminder of how a small act of empathy can form a lasting human connection, even at 38,000 feet in the air.”
How flight attendants prepare for each trip
Singapore Airlines
Khaw’s rituals for preparing himself before each 18-hour trip are specific.
Spending quality time with family at home is an important way for her to remain grounded. Sharing a simple home-cooked meal can help me reset my emotions before I go away for several weeks.
It is also important to prepare in a practical way.
“I find peace of mind in knowing that I am prepared, so I double-check everything I pack for the extended layover. This includes extra uniforms, skin care products, and vitamins.”
Khaw’s method is in line with that of other experienced crew on the route. Ashley Tan is the lead flight attendant and has been on this journey since the beginning. She emphasizes that it’s important to get enough sleep the night before. It should be around seven or eight hours. Tan, who has been a part of this marathon journey since its early days, emphasizes the importance of getting adequate rest, ideally around seven to eight hours.
“I remember that flight.” Tan says she was “so excited” that she couldn’t get to sleep the night before her flight. Straits Times video.
Khaw is able to maintain a perspective of her unique role.
“Mentally, I try to stay grounded by reminding myself of the bigger picture—that this is a privileged role and not everyone gets to do this,” she says. “I am flying to New York City, which is one of the most exciting places in the world. I have trained very hard to get here. “That sense of pride keeps me focused.”
Khaw claims that despite the challenges she has had to face, the job gave her unique opportunities for growth both professionally and personally.
She says, “I never thought I would be able to travel to such exotic places.” This role has given me the opportunity to develop resilience, adaptability and time management skills.
How to make your long-haul flights more comfortable
Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure
Khaw offers four tips based on what she’s observed from frequent travelers and her own experiences to make your ultra-long haul flight more comfortable.
Strategic Meal Planning
Khaw: “I have learned that eating too little or too much at the wrong time can affect my digestion and throw off my body’s clock, especially when I cross multiple time zones.” To avoid sluggishness or bloating before a trip, I prefer to eat light, non-greasy food.
Stay Hydrated
The importance of hydration is well known to experienced passengers. Khaw says that many frequent flyers choose to drink water on long flights, and not sugary drinks or coffees which dehydrate.
Comfort and Preparation
Experienced travelers are often prepared for the long trip ahead. “They will often adapt their clothing to the changing cabin temperature, bringing essential items such as clothes and toiletries.” noise-canceling headphones Khaw recommends a neck cushion or a moisturizer.
Time Zone Adjustment
Smart travelers do not wait until the plane lands to begin adjusting their schedule to that of their destination. She says that travelers should also try to adjust to their destination’s time zone by sleeping or staying awake during the appropriate hours.
Khaw learned from his countless hours of work at 38,000 feet that ultra-long haul flights reveal something fundamental to human nature. This is true for both passengers and crew. These marathon journeys can reveal what’s really important: good preparation, empathy and small gestures.
