Here's How Long The World's Longest Nonstop Flight Really Is
If you spend eight hours sleeping and the next eight hours working, you will still be a few hours shy of the world's longest commercial flight. At close to a full day airborne, Singapore Airlines tops the charts with a nonstop, almost 19-hour journey on an Airbus A350-900ULR from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) in New York to Singapore Changi (SIN). Flights to and from Newark come in at a close second.
The thrice-weekly route has been in operation since 2018, giving passengers a choice between two classes — premium and business — for the 9,537-mile flight. And if you think that sounds long, just wait. As of 2025, Singapore Airlines will no longer hold the record. Soon, Qantas Airways will launch a 20-hour flight from Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) to London Heathrow (LHR), spanning an impressive 10,576 miles on an Airbus A350-1000. With the latest strides in aviation, one thing is certain: long layovers are so yesterday.
What to expect onboard the Airbus A350-900ULR
During the 18 hours and 50 minutes from America to Singapore (one hour less if you're heading in the other direction), you can expect all of the creature comforts of a high-end airline ticket. The reason for the two-class layout? The aircraft's additional 6,000-plus gallons of fuel weighs 20,000 pounds, so the airline ditched other classes in favor of premium fares. Unlike other long haulers, this plane has just 161 seats: 67 in business class and 94 in premium economy.
When you step onboard the Airbus A350-900ULR — which stands for "ultra-long range" — the first thing you'll notice is how much space passengers have. The seat configuration in business class is 1-2-1, or one window, two middle, and one window. Each seat is designed like a "pod" with wings for privacy, two-foot seats, and 5 feet of legroom. The seats are adjustable to lay completely flat so you can catch some ZZZs. If you need any coaxing to relax, there are noise-canceling headphones and an amenities bag with an eye mask, lotion, and slippers. Oh, and don't forget about three pillows and a plush blanket.
The seat configuration in premium economy is 2-4-2, with plenty of room to recline without airplane seatmates invading your personal space. Each seat is equipped with a built-in calf rest and footrest. During Singapore's high season from June to July, a weeklong round-trip ticket will cost you $2,551-$2,647 for premium economy and $5,071-$5,100 for business class.
Design features, entertainment, and in-flight service
With such a long flight, Singapore Airlines had to be intentional with the design and entertainment features. Each Airbus A350-900ULR has high ceilings, panoramic windows, and vertical sidewalls, all of which will help you forget that you're zipping around the globe in a giant tube. Even the air circulation system was tweaked to lower the noise level, ensuring you don't miss out on any rest.
While you're awake, though, there are plenty of ways to pass the time. Your 18-inch seatback TV has 1,000 hours of in-flight entertainment, which you can choose from with your handheld remote. If you have a myKrisWorld account, you can unlock 200 extra hours of content, create playlists, and get a curated list based on your preferences and previous viewing history. If you need to get some work done, there's free high-speed WiFi on board.
The food and drinks service will not disappoint, either. Two three-course meals are scheduled on the flight, one just after takeoff and another 12 hours in, with plenty of opportunities for snacks and cocktails in between. For appetizers, picture chicken satay, prawn salad, and smoked salmon. The main course is equally scrumptious, with braised beef short rib, halibut, fried chicken, and noodle soup. If you have room left, round out your meal with cheesecake, a chocolate brownie, or a "floating island" made of vanilla custard. With service like this, you'll wonder why you waited so long to take this iconic nonstop flight from New York.