What is the Longest Flight in the World?

What is the Longest Flight in the World?

Have you ever wondered what the longest flight in the world is and how anyone manages to stay in the air for so long? If you think your last flight was long, well, you might just be wrong.

Some flights push the limits of endurance and distance, connecting cities that are literally halfway around the world from each other. Let’s take a look at which flight holds the title of the longest in the world, how long it actually takes, and what makes it special.

Image: A photo of an aeroplane window view during golden hour, showcasing a calm, clear sky with warm, glowing hues of orange from the distant horizon.

The Longest Flight in the World

The current record holder for the longest flight in the world is Singapore Airlines Flight SQ23. This flight goes all the way from Singapore's Changi Airport to New York’s JFK Airport. It covers a distance of around 9,500 miles (15,300 kilometres) and takes about 18 hours and 40 minutes. That is almost a full day in the air.

Singapore and New York are on opposite sides of the world, and the flight takes what’s called a “non-stop” route, which means there are no layovers or stops in between. The plane just takes off in Singapore and doesn’t land until it reaches New York, flying over places like the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic, and even parts of Alaska. 

Even though it still seems too long, this route was designed to take the shortest path between the two cities and is the most direct way to connect the two places without stopping.

How Do Passengers Survive 18 Plus Hours in the Air?

Staying on a plane for more than 18 hours sounds tough, right? Luckily, airlines like Singapore Airlines make sure the journey is as comfortable as possible. The plane used for this flight is an Airbus A350-900ULR, which is built for ultra-long-range flights.

Here is how they make the trip a little easier for you;

More legroom - Seats are designed to give you extra space, especially in business class, so you can stretch out and relax.

Entertainment - There are tons of movies, TV shows, and games to keep you entertained for hours. You could binge-watch a whole season of your favourite show and still have time left to watch a couple of movies.

Meals and snacks - With a flight this long, you will be treated to multiple meals, snacks, and drinks. The meals are delicious, and you can usually choose from a few different options.

Wi-Fi - Some planes offer Wi-Fi, so you can browse the internet, chat with friends, or even catch up on work.

Other Long Flights

While the Singapore-to-New York flight is the longest, it is not the only ultra-long flight out there. Other long-haul flights include;

Qantas Flight from Perth to London - This flight is about 17 hours long and covers around 9,000 miles.

Emirates Flight from Dubai to Auckland - This takes around 17 hours and covers about 8,800 miles.

Many airlines are pushing the limits and launching more long-haul flights like these to connect major cities across continents.

Conclusion

These flights are definitely not your average travel experience. With over 18 hours in the air, it is a journey that only the most patient and prepared travellers can handle. However, the best thing is that with modern planes and amenities, the journey can be comfortable. It is also a super-efficient way to travel across the globe.