Two years ago, I got to experience the world’s longest flight, Singapore Airlines’ route between Singapore and New York. It was a big item to cross off my AvGeek to-do list and the experience itself was a blast. Since then I’ve been wondering how I could ever top that flight. In the end, there was only one way: flying the route in the opposite direction (which has a longer average time aloft) and in more style. After biding my time for a while and snagging a lucky booking, I got the chance.
When I flew from Singapore to NYC in 2023, a stiff tailwind helped us make great time: under 17 hours aloft. Flying the return route to Singapore would be a full two hours longer. Even for an AvGeek, the idea of over 19 hours onboard a single flight was intimidating. I was honestly worried that partway through this marathon of a flight, the magic would wear off and I’d get bored.
Well, I was completely wrong about that. It was a LONG flight to be sure. But between the comfy seat, beautiful views, wide array of entertainment options, and signature Singapore service, it was a blast from start to finish. I also got to learn about the unique features that make these ultra-long-haul services tolerable (and even fun!) for passengers onboard.
Read on for the full scoop on this one-of-a-kind route. We hope the walkthrough will help you decide whether a flight this long is worth your time.
The world’s longest flight. Many routes have held that honor over the years. But right now the unquestioned champion is Singapore Airlines’ service between Singapore Changi and New York JFK, clocking in at an impressive 9,537 miles. I’ve been dying to get onboard since it launched. At long last, I got my chance.
The Airbus A350-900ULR was the clear star of the show. The “ULR” stands for ultra-long range. And the plane absolutely earns that title, handling 18-hour flights with ease. During our time in the sky with the ULR we appreciated the adaptations that allow it to handle routes that no other commercial craft currently can. The masterful inflight service touches of Singapore Airlines made the time in the sky fly by.
Read on for the full story — with plenty of photos and window-seat views — from the world’s longest-distance flight.
VH-OQA, a Qantas A380-841 on the ramp at Avalon Airport, Victoria five years ago – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter
On the 3rd of December, 2013, Emirates took the crown with having the longest Airbus A380 route in the world — from Dubai to Los Angeles. The route is only 418 miles longer than the longest Qantas A380 route from the Melbourne to Los Angeles.
Qantas is fighting back with their recent announcement that they are going to take back the longest A380 flight crown, maintain the status of the longest commercial flight, and one-up Emirates.
