Blog >> 10 Longest Nonstop Flights In The World
By Kevin Zanes / May 29, 2025
Have you ever wondered just how far a plane can fly without stopping?
The idea of boarding a flight in New York City and waking up in Singapore feels almost like teleportation. These routes are not just long – they are the longest nonstop flights in the world, pushing the limits of aviation and human endurance.
These ultra long-haul flights connect some of the most distant cities across the globe. They save time, eliminate layovers, and offer a new kind of travel experience.
For many travelers, especially those booking with points and miles, they also open up new doors to explore faraway places in comfort and style.
In this guide, you will discover which flights hold the current distance records, what it feels like to spend 17 hours or more in the air, and how you can book these epic journeys using your travel rewards.
Whether you dream of flying farther or just want to survive your next long-haul trip, this guide will help you do it smarter.
What Counts As A “Longest Nonstop Flight”
Not all long flights are created equal.
When people talk about the longest nonstop flights, they often think in terms of time. But the aviation world measures these records by great circle distance – the shortest path between two points on the globe.
That means a flight can be the longest by distance even if it is not the longest by time. Wind patterns, flight paths, and air traffic can all affect how long a flight actually takes.
For example, some westbound flights can take longer than eastbound flights on the same route.
To be included on this list, a flight must meet three basic rules:
- It must be nonstop – no layovers or refueling stops.
- It must be scheduled and regularly operated by a commercial airline.
- It must use a direct great circle route to measure distance, not time in the air.
Thanks to fuel-efficient jets like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, airlines can now fly farther than ever before. These planes make it possible to connect major cities that once seemed out of reach on a single flight.
Top 10 Longest Nonstop Flights In The World: 2025
Credit. Great Circle Mapper. 10 Longest Nonstop Flights In The World.
Airlines are pushing the limits of distance, comfort, and endurance. From Singapore to New York City, these routes span nearly halfway around the globe – without a single stop.
They are not only engineering feats but also key routes for business travelers, leisure adventurers, and points collectors.
Below is the current list of the top 10 longest nonstop flights by great-circle distance, along with the airlines that operate them and the scheduled flight times:
- Singapore (SIN) to New York City (JFK) | Singapore Airlines | 9,537 miles | 18h 50m
- Singapore (SIN) to New York City (EWR) | Singapore Airlines | 9,535 miles | 18h 25m
- Doha (DOH) to Auckland (AKL) | Qatar Airways | 9,032 miles | 17h 35m
- Perth (PER) to London (LHR) | Qantas | 9,009 miles | 17h 20m
- Melbourne (MEL) to Dallas (DFW) | Qantas | 8,992 miles | 17h 35m
- Auckland (AKL) to New York City (JFK) | Air New Zealand | 8,828 miles | 17h 50m
- Dubai (DXB) to Auckland (AKL) | Emirates | 8,824 miles | 17h 10m
- Singapore (SIN) to Los Angeles (LAX) | Singapore Airlines | 8,770 miles | 17h 50m
- Bengaluru (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO) | Air India | 8,701 miles | 17h 40m
- Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD) | United Airlines | 8,596 miles | 17h 35m
These flights are operated by some of the most modern aircraft in the world, including the Airbus A350-900ULR and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Their extended range and fuel efficiency have made these ultra-long routes possible, offering travelers a way to skip layovers and go the distance in one continuous journey.
Singapore Airlines: Singapore (SIN) to New York City (JFK) – 9,537 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours, 50 minutes
- Flight Number: SQ24
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 87,500 Air Canada Aeroplan miles
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 3,500 USD
- Fun Fact: During this nearly 19-hour flight, you could watch the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbit trilogy back-to-back, with time left over for a nap.
Singapore Airlines operates this route with an aircraft designed specifically for ultra-long distances. The cabin features only Business Class and Premium Economy seating, offering a quieter, more spacious flight experience.
Singapore Airlines: Singapore (SIN) to New York City (EWR) – 9,535 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 18 hours, 25 minutes
- Flight Number: SQ22
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 87,500 Air Canada Aeroplan miles
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 3,500 USD
- Fun Fact: During this nearly 18.5-hour flight, you could watch the entire Harry Potter film series and still have time for a meal and a nap.
The Singapore Airlines A350-900ULR is designed for ultra-long-haul flights, featuring a two-class configuration with Business Class and Premium Economy classes. The Business Class cabin offers a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers and a comfortable experience on one of the longest nonstop flights in the world.
Qatar Airways: Doha (DOH) to Auckland (AKL) – 9,032 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 35 minutes
- Flight Number: QR920
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 140,000 Avios miles (Aer Lingus, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Qatar Airways)
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 3,500 USD
- Fun Fact: During this 17.5-hour journey, you could watch the entire Star Wars saga (Episodes I–IX) and still have time for a meal and a nap.
Qatar Airways operates this route using the Airbus A350-1000, featuring the Qsuite Business Class. The Qsuite offers a 1-2-1 seating configuration, providing direct aisle access and the option to create a double bed or a private suite for four, making it ideal for both solo travelers and groups.
Qantas: Perth (PER) to London (LHR) – 9,009 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 20 minutes
- Flight Number: QF9
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 85,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 4,800 AUD
- Fun Fact: During this 17-hour journey, you could watch the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase One and Two movies, and still have time for a nap.
Qantas operates this route using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the Business Suite with a 1-2-1 seating configuration. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed, providing direct aisle access and enhanced privacy for a comfortable ultra-long-haul experience.
Qantas: Melbourne (MEL) to Dallas (DFW) – 8,992 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 35 minutes
- Flight Number: QF21
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 85,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 5,500 AUD
- Fun Fact: In 17 and a half hours, you could bake over 1,000 cookies – enough to feed an entire Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Qantas operates this route using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the Business Suite with a 1-2-1 seating configuration. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed, providing direct aisle access and enhanced privacy for a comfortable ultra-long-haul experience.
Air New Zealand: Auckland (AKL) to New York City (JFK) – 8,828 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 50 minutes
- Flight Number: NZ2
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 87,500 Air Canada Aeroplan miles
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 5,000 USD
- Fun Fact: During this nearly 18-hour journey, you could listen to the entire Beatles discography – twice – and still have time for a nap.
Air New Zealand operates this ultra-long-haul route using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the Business Premier cabin. The Business Premier seat converts into a fully lie-flat bed, providing comfort and privacy for the duration of the flight.
Emirates: Dubai (DXB) to Auckland (AKL) – 8,824 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 10 minutes
- Flight Number: EK448
- Aircraft: Airbus A380-800
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 139,200 Qantas Frequent Flyer miles
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 5,500 USD
- Fun Fact: During this 17-hour journey, you (average person) could complete a full marathon on a treadmill – twice – and still have time to cool down and enjoy a meal.
Emirates operates this ultra-long-haul route using the Airbus A380-800, featuring a Business Class cabin with a 1-2-1 seating configuration. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed, providing direct aisle access and enhanced privacy.
TPA Pro Tip: The A380 also offers an onboard lounge for Business Class passengers, allowing for socializing and relaxation during the flight.
Singapore Airlines: Singapore (SIN) to Los Angeles (LAX) – 8,770 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 50 minutes
- Flight Number: SQ38
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 87,500 Air Canada Aeroplan miles
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 3,700 USD
- Fun Fact: During this nearly 18-hour journey, you could watch the entire Star Wars saga (Episodes I – IX) and still have time for a meal and a nap.
Singapore Airlines operates this ultra-long-haul route using the Airbus A350-900ULR, featuring a two-class configuration with Business Class and Premium Economy classes. The Business Class cabin offers a 1-2-1 seating layout, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers and a comfortable experience on one of the longest nonstop flights in the world.
Air India: Bengaluru (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO) – 8,701 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 40 minutes
- Flight Number: AI175
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 100,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 2,500 USD
- Fun Fact: In 17 hours and 40 minutes, you could learn the basics of a new language using a beginner-level audio course – perfect for your arrival in a new country.
Air India operates this ultra-long-haul using the Boeing 777-200LR. The Business Class cabin includes angled-flat seats in a 2-3-2 layout, offering wide seats and generous legroom for a comfortable experience across continents.
United Airlines: Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD) – 8,596 Miles
- Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours, 35 minutes
- Flight Number: UA101
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Best One-Way Award Redemption (Business Class): 100,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles
- Average One-Way Cash Rate (Business Class): 5,500 USD
- Fun Fact: During this 17.5-hour journey, you could complete an entire online certification course – enhancing your skills while crossing the Pacific.
United Airlines operates this ultra-long-haul route using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the Polaris Business Class cabin. The Polaris seats offer a 1-2-1 seating configuration, providing direct aisle access for all passengers and a fully flat bed for restful sleep.
How to Survive The Longest Nonstop Flights
Spending 17 hours or more in the air can sound like a challenge, but with the right strategies, it can feel like a calm and productive part of your journey.
These flights are marathons, not sprints – so think ahead, pace yourself, and plan for comfort.
Practical Tips To Stay Comfortable And Healthy
- Hydrate Often: Airplane cabins are dry. Drink water every hour, and limit caffeine and alcohol. A refillable water bottle with a built-in filter can be a game changer.
- Pick The Right Seat: Aisle seats offer easier access to stretch and walk around. If you plan to sleep the entire way, a window seat gives you more privacy.
- Use Sleep Aids Wisely: Consider eye masks, melatonin, or noise-canceling headphones. Avoid heavy sleeping pills unless you have used them before flying.
- Time Your Meals: Eat lightly and align your meals with the time zone of your destination to help reset your body clock.
- Exercise Regularly: Stand, stretch, and walk up and down the aisle every few hours. Simple in-seat movements can boost circulation and ease stiffness.
Essential Gear To Pack In Your Carry-On
- Travel Pillow: Neck support matters – especially in Economy Class or even Premium Economy. Go for an ergonomic design.
- Compression Socks: These help reduce swelling and lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis.
- Healthy Snacks: Protein bars, nuts, or dried fruit can help you stay full between meals.
- Moisturizer And Lip Balm: Cabin air dries out skin fast. A small hydration kit keeps you feeling fresh.
Tech Tools To Track, Rest, And Reset
- Flight Tracking Apps: Use apps like FlightAware, Flighty, or Flightradar24 to track progress and arrival time.
- Jet Lag Apps: Timeshifter and FlyKitt both offer personalized jet lag plans using light, meal timing, and supplements.
- Entertainment Downloaders: Make sure Netflix, Spotify, or audiobooks are saved offline in case the Wi-Fi lags or entertainment options disappoint (or fail).
With the right planning, even the longest nonstop flights can become a smooth part of your travel story. These flights give you the gift of uninterrupted time – use it to relax, reset, and recharge.
The Future Of Ultra Long-Haul Flights
The world of air travel is stretching its limits – literally. The future of ultra long-haul flights is not just about flying farther. It is about flying smarter, healthier, and more comfortably.
With new routes on the horizon and next-generation aircraft taking shape, here is what travelers can expect from the next era of global aviation.
Project Sunrise: Flights That Last Nearly A Day
Qantas is preparing to launch nonstop flights from Sydney (SYD) to both London (LHR) and New York City (JFK), routes that could take nearly 22 hours from gate to gate – affectionately dubbed Project Sunrise.
These will be the longest nonstop flight in commercial aviation history.
To make this possible, Qantas will use a specially configured Airbus A350-1000, equipped to handle both the physical demands of the route and the needs of passengers spending almost a full day in the air.
The cabin will be redesigned with extra space, a wellness zone for stretching and movement, and improved lighting to help passengers adjust their body clocks mid-flight.
These flights are expected to begin service by 2027, opening a new chapter in what long-distance flying can look like.
Smarter Aircraft For Smarter Flying
Aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X are built for efficiency and endurance.
These planes use lighter materials, smarter aerodynamics, and fuel-saving engines to make long-range travel more viable. Onboard, they offer better air quality, quieter cabins, and higher humidity levels – all of which help passengers arrive feeling less fatigued.
As airlines invest in these aircraft, expect to see even more nonstop city pairings that once seemed impossible, like Miami (MIA) to Cape Town (CPT) or Chicago (ORD) to Singapore (SIN).
The Rise Of In-Flight Wellness
Long gone are the days when flying long-haul meant cramped seats and restless hours.
Airlines are now designing cabins with passenger wellness in mind. Features like circadian lighting, more spacious premium cabins, and onboard exercise areas are becoming part of the ultra long-haul blueprint.
Even in Economy Class, airlines are improving seat comfort, expanding entertainment options, and rethinking meal service to better support the body during long-haul travel.
Greener Skies Ahead
Sustainability will be a major factor in the growth of ultra long-haul flying.
New aircraft are far more fuel-efficient, and airlines are exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to lower their carbon emissions. As governments and passengers demand more eco-friendly options, the long-haul segment will continue to evolve with greener technologies.
Airlines may also begin offering carbon offset options and investing in projects that support reforestation, clean energy, or conservation – all to make global travel more responsible.
Final Thoughts
The longest nonstop flights in the world push the boundaries of how we think about travel.
They connect cities once considered too far apart for a single journey. They give travelers a new level of freedom – freedom to skip layovers, to sleep through the night at 40,000 feet, and to arrive refreshed on the other side of the globe.
These flights are not just engineering achievements. They are a symbol of how far travel has come, and how much more is possible.
Whether you are flying for work, adventure, or the thrill of the route itself, ultra long-haul travel offers a unique experience that blends endurance with luxury.
From the aircraft technology to the onboard wellness features, the future of long-distance flying is about making the longest flights feel surprisingly smooth.
With the right mindset and a few smart choices, you can turn even a 19-hour journey into a memorable part of your trip.
