Have you ever spent what felt like an eternity crammed into a metal tube, staring blankly at the back of a seat, wondering if getting off this airborne rollercoaster was just a dream? I mean, seriously—if sharing is caring, then what’s your travel buddy saying about the joys of 15 hours in the air? For some intrepid globetrotters, though, the thrill of nonstop, ultra-long-haul flights is like a sky-high adventure, whipping them around the globe without missing a heartbeat—or laying over in a crowded airport for hours. According to Travel + Leisure, these marvels of modern travel are making cross-continental jaunts a breeze! While many view these epic flights as endurance tests—think of it as a marathon without the sneakers—others embrace the chance to streamline their getaways, jetting straight to the best destinations—from the bustling avenues of New York City to the blissful beaches of New Zealand. So, fasten your seatbelts, folks! I’m about to take you on a fascinating journey through some of the longest flights on Earth. Ready? LEARN MORE
Ever thought about what it’s like to spend nearly an entire day on a plane? It sounds daunting, but some travelers swear by the efficiency and adventure of nonstop, ultra-long-haul flights. According to Travel + Leisure, a handful of these sky-high marathons have pushed the boundaries of travel, connecting distant parts of the globe in a single hop.
Now, some might say these flights are an endurance test. And they’re not wrong, fifteen or more hours in the air isn’t everyone’s dream. But these flights let you skip the layovers, streamline your journey, and dive straight into your next adventure. From the bustling streets of New York to the relaxed beaches of New Zealand, these routes mean more time enjoying your destination and less time hanging around airports.
So, here’s a rundown of some of the world’s longest flights, each one linking places you might not think could ever be connected in a single trip.
Singapore Airlines has claimed the longest nonstop flight with its New York to Singapore route. Covering an eye-watering 9,537 miles and clocking in at just under 19 hours, this flight is as close as you’ll get to spending a full day in the air. It’s a lifesaver for business travelers who want to skip the hassle of layovers and land ready to hit the ground running in either one of these financial capitals.
Tourists are also embracing this route, especially those who want to immerse themselves in Singapore’s blend of modernity and tradition without an extra stop. Singapore Airlines understands the marathon nature of this journey, which is why they’ve packed this flight with amenities to make those long hours a little more bearable.
Flying almost the same distance in the opposite direction, Singapore Airlines’ Singapore-to-Newark route takes you on an 18-hour, 45-minute adventure across 9,523 miles. This flight is a favorite for anyone needing to get straight from Singapore’s bustling city life to the business districts of the East Coast. And if you’re working in finance, it’s a smooth bridge between two global powerhouses.
For travelers looking for a holiday, Newark is just a short drive from New York City, making it a convenient entry point to one of the most exciting cities in the world. Plus, skipping a layover makes it easier for folks looking to experience the Big Apple on a tighter schedule.
In 2018, Qantas made headlines with its nonstop route from Perth to London, a 17-hour journey spanning 9,010 miles. This flight is a game-changer for Australians eager to avoid the typical layovers in Asia or the Middle East. It’s especially popular during Australian summers, as locals flock to London’s winter wonderland for a change of scenery.
And it’s not just Aussies heading north, British travelers are finding Perth an lovely escape from chilly winters. Whether it’s to soak up the sun on Perth’s stunning beaches or to start a road trip through Western Australia’s outback, this route has become a preferred option.
Qantas also offers a direct flight from Melbourne to Dallas, covering 8,992 miles in about 17 and a half hours. This flight connects Australia’s artsy cultural capital with Texas’ thriving business hub, making it a hot ticket for professionals who need to hop between continents. With no layovers, they can jump right into the action when they land.
Travelers tend to flock to this route during Australia’s summer and the U.S. holiday season, with Texans eager to experience Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene and outdoor festivals. And for Aussies, Dallas offers a blend of Southern charm and urban excitement.
Air New Zealand and Qantas fly this epic route from Auckland to New York, spanning 8,828 miles in about 17 hours and 35 minutes. For Kiwis, this flight offers a direct ticket to the energy and excitement of the Big Apple, perfect for those wanting to explore New York’s legendary sights and vibrant culture without an extra layover.
The flight is also a hit with American tourists keen to dive into New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty. From Auckland, visitors can head straight to the breathtaking landscapes of the North Island.
Emirates flies one of the longest routes from Dubai to Auckland, an impressive 8,824-mile journey that lasts around 17 hours. For those in Dubai’s bustling metropolis, this route offers a perfect way to escape to New Zealand’s serene, green landscapes. It’s especially popular with tourists looking for adventure in Auckland, a city famous for its easy access to both urban and outdoor activities.
Dubai’s appeal isn’t lost on Kiwis either. For New Zealanders, this flight is a gateway to Dubai’s desert adventures, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. The direct flight lets you transition between two incredibly different worlds, one day you’re trekking up a volcano in the southern hemisphere, the next you’re exploring high-end shopping malls in one of the world’s most glamorous cities.
The 8,770-mile route from Singapore to Los Angeles is a favorite among tech professionals and tourists alike, linking the tech hubs of Southeast Asia with the glamour of Hollywood. At around 17 hours and 50 minutes, this flight is a long one, but it makes traveling between these two entertainment capitals a breeze.
During the winter holidays, this route sees an influx of Americans traveling to experience Singapore’s diverse food scene and exciting festivals. On the flip side, many Singaporeans head to L.A. for a taste of Hollywood and California’s sunny beaches. It’s a high-mileage ticket to exploring two of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Air India’s flight from Bangalore to San Francisco connects two of the world’s largest tech hubs over 8,701 miles, taking around 17 hours and 40 minutes. This route is packed with tech professionals, eager to shuttle between Silicon Valley and India’s thriving tech scene without the delays of layovers. It’s a business traveler’s dream, making it easy to zip across continents to close deals and collaborate.
It’s not just for work, though, this flight also appeals to travelers interested in exploring India’s rich culture and California’s breathtaking landscapes. For those who want an efficient way to get from the temples of Bangalore to the skyscrapers of San Francisco, or vice versa, this direct route saves time and makes the journey feel a little less daunting.
United Airlines connects Houston and Sydney with a direct flight stretching over 8,596 miles and taking about 17 hours and 35 minutes. This route links Texas’ energy capital with Australia’s financial heart, and it’s especially popular with professionals in the oil and gas industries. High demand during industry conferences means it’s often booked with travelers ready to dive straight into business.
The route also attracts tourists on both ends, eager to swap scenery. Australians come to Texas for a taste of Southern culture, while Texans venture to Sydney for its iconic beaches, vibrant arts scene, and famous sights like the Sydney Opera House.
Qantas’ direct route from Sydney to Dallas covers 8,576 miles in about 15 hours and 20 minutes, offering a handy bridge between Australia and the U.S. South. It’s a favorite for Australian travelers heading to the U.S. for business and leisure, and vice versa. Dallas is a hub for connecting to other U.S. destinations, which makes it a smart choice for travelers looking to maximize their trip.
And it’s not just Australians making the trip, Texans love Sydney for its beaches, laid-back vibe, and urban attractions. From Dallas, they can explore everything Sydney has to offer in a single, uninterrupted journey. This route has become an essential link for anyone who wants to travel between these two distinct regions quickly and conveniently.
Philippine Airlines flies this route from Manila to San Francisco, spanning 8,520 miles in a journey that lasts about 17 hours. It’s a key route for Filipino expatriates heading to the U.S. to visit family or spend the holidays. Summer and Christmas seasons are when you’ll find this flight packed, as families reunite and friends reconnect on both sides of the Pacific.
It’s also a popular choice for American tourists drawn to the Philippines’ beautiful beaches, warm weather, and rich culture. San Francisco offers a convenient entry point to the U.S. West Coast, making it easy for travelers from Manila to explore California’s iconic destinations.
Singapore Airlines and United Airlines both operate this nonstop route, linking Singapore with San Francisco across 8,446 miles in roughly 14 hours and 30 minutes. This flight is a vital connector between two of the world’s most innovative cities, with tech professionals frequently traveling to collaborate and exchange ideas.
The route is especially busy during major tech events, drawing professionals from both regions to one another’s cutting-edge industries. It’s not just the tech crowd who loves this route. Tourists also flock to these cities for very different reasons, San Francisco offers iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, while Singapore boasts lush gardens, futuristic architecture, and an unbeatable food scene.
Delta’s 15-hour, 20-minute flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg covers 8,439 miles, creating a direct path between the southeastern U.S. and South Africa. This route is a favorite for American tourists looking to experience South Africa’s natural beauty, from safaris to vibrant city life.
It’s especially popular during U.S. summer months, as travelers take advantage of the opposite-season weather to escape the heat. Johannesburg serves as a gateway to some of South Africa’s most famous attractions, like Kruger National Park and Cape Town. For South Africans, Atlanta’s easy access to the rest of the U.S. makes this flight appealing, too.
Air India connects Mumbai and San Francisco over a 16-hour journey spanning 8,406 miles, a key route for professionals working in the financial and tech sectors. Business travelers often take this flight for its convenience, skipping layovers and heading straight from one major economic hub to another.
With so many Silicon Valley companies investing in India’s tech scene, this flight has become a vital link for growing business connections. It’s also an ideal option for travelers looking to experience the vibrancy of India and the scenic beauty of California in a single trip.
Emirates operates this 8,339-mile route from Dubai to Los Angeles, lasting about 16 hours and 20 minutes. This flight connects two iconic destinations known for luxury and entertainment, attracting business travelers, tourists, and those interested in cultural exchange.
During major film events, L.A. draws Dubai residents eager to see Hollywood up close, while Dubai’s winter festivals attract Angelenos looking for high-end shopping and desert adventures. The flight is also popular with travelers wanting to experience a dramatic shift in scenery.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.