The 10 Longest Non-Stop Flights in the World

As flight expertise advances (resembling having the ability to maintain extra and burn much less gasoline) and long-haul carriers make improved efforts to offer a extra comfy journey (by way of jet lag–decreasing lighting, serving more healthy meals, and making business-class and financial system seats extra comfy), the longest flights on the planet are steadily getting even longer. The lengthiest now join cities on reverse sides of the globe and are upwards of 17 hours.

When Australia’s nationwide service Qantas debuts its Challenge Dawn routes in mid-2026 (which can embrace nonstop service between Sydney and each London and New York, at 10,573 and 9,950 miles, respectively), they would be the longest flights on the planet; the longer flight (London) will clock in at a staggering 20 hours. Will probably be referred to as Challenge Dawn as a result of passengers will see the solar rise twice whereas in flight.

Till then, right here’s what that you must know in regards to the longest flights on the planet.

What’s the world’s present longest flight?

As of at this time, the longest flight on the planet is the 18 hour 50 minute route between New York Metropolis (JFK) and Singapore, operated by Singapore Airways. It’s 9,585 miles lengthy and takes place on an Airbus A350-900ULR, which is configured with 67 pod-style business-class seats and 94 premium financial system seats—there aren’t any common financial system seats.

What’s it like flying on one of many world’s longest flights?

I lately flew Qantas’s Dallas to Sydney (the thirteenth longest flight on the planet, at 16 hours and 21 minutes) route, experiencing each enterprise (out of the USA) and premium financial system (on the best way dwelling).

Upon boarding the outward flight, a flight attendant launched himself, famous the lengthy size of the flight, and warranted me that we have been on this collectively and, ought to I want something, to let him know. All Qantas business-class seats recline into a totally flat mattress and have direct aisle entry. However due to the pod-style seating, you are feeling a bit extra insulated—I usually didn’t discover individuals strolling by.

Contemplating it was an in a single day flight, I used to be exhausted and able to sleep instantly after the meal service, a prolonged, multi-course affair that wrapped about two-and-a-half hours into the flight. After donning the complimentary pajamas, reworking the seat right into a mattress (which included including a mattress topper, cover, and pillow), and downing a melatonin gummy, I slumbered for roughly 10 hours, rousing solely to roll over a few occasions. I awoke simply earlier than the breakfast service feeling refreshed—much more so after ingesting a pair of cappuccinos. Being that I used to be capable of sleep for nearly two-thirds of the flight, the journey felt fast. I may have simply spent just a few extra hours aboard—supplied there was a very good film to observe.

The return flight in premium financial system was a special story. I used to be counting down the hours throughout that leg. Whereas the service was nice, my sleep was intermittent, which made the flight drag. I had opted for the aisle seat as a result of I didn’t need to really feel trapped if I wanted to make use of the restroom. That call meant I couldn’t lean on the window to sleep and was ceaselessly bumped by different passengers headed to the bathroom. I landed in Dallas crabby and stiff.

The longest flights on the planet

Perhaps you’re keen on the concept of knocking out most or your whole journey time (and certain just a few seasons of your favourite present) in a single go. Or perhaps you’ll somewhat keep away from an ultra-long-haul journey and as a substitute break it up with a layover as a way to sneak in sightseeing between two legs of a visit, aka a stopover program. No matter your most well-liked methodology, listed below are the ten present longest flights on the planet, tallied by miles.

This text was initially printed in 2023 and most lately up to date on November 5, 2024, with present info