Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, taking a long-haul flight isn’t something everyone wants to do. But if you’re looking for a comfortable ride, there are plenty of flights that can get you to your destination in no time.
The longest nonstop route in the world is Singapore Airlines’ New York-Singapore flight, which stretches 9,537 miles and lasts about 18 hours. It’s operated on an Airbus A350-900ULR.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is an international icon that has been consistently voted the world’s best airline by Travel + Leisure readers. With a sterling reputation for service, catering, and onboard comfort, Singapore is a top choice for travellers with high standards.
The airline is renowned for its world-class business class and premium economy cabins, as well as for offering some of the most spacious first class suites in aviation. We recently flew on the Airbus A380 on Singapore’s longest flight to New York, and were treated to a private suite at the front of the aircraft.
The upper deck of the Airbus A380 is home to six massive suites in first class. These are among the most spacious in the world, with a separate chair and sleeping surface – even the option to set up a double bed with your companion!
Air Tahiti Nui
Air Tahiti Nui has just broken a world record by flying direct from French Polynesia to Paris in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline’s flight TN64 flew 15,715 km from Papeete to France in 16 hours and 20 minutes, making it the longest commercial flight ever made, as well as the first domestic flight using a Dreamliner.
The flight was carried out by a six-month old B787-9 which has an official maximum range of 14,800km. However, the aircraft was not full-loaded, which allowed it to reach a much longer distance.
As a result of US travel restrictions induced by coronavirus (COVID-19), Air Tahiti Nui’s usual stopover in Los Angeles was no longer possible. So it was decided to carry on straight from Papeete to Paris, with passengers re-protected in Paris.
Qantas
Qantas is working to set a new record for the longest flight in the world. It plans to fly a Sydney-London route with a dozen Airbus A350-1000s that can do over 10,000 miles without refuelling.
The flights will be launched in late 2025. The aircraft will have 238 passenger seats spanning across four cabin classes, according to the Australian airline.
They will also have a “well-being zone” that includes multiple methods for charging personal devices, as well as fast and free Wi-Fi provided by Viasat. Inflight entertainment systems will also feature Bluetooth connectivity capability, allowing passengers to connect wireless headphones or other devices directly to their seat screens.
Until now, Project Sunrise was on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is back in action with a trial run on New York to Sydney in October. With research from that trial, the airline has already begun informing its strategies for reducing jet lag.
Emirates
Emirates has been a major player in the ultra-long-haul market and its Airbus A380 aircraft fly to more destinations than any other airline. Its routes span six continents excluding Antarctica.
On 3 March, Emirates set a new record for longest flight in the world when it flew an A380 from Auckland to Dubai. Covering an estimated 9,000 miles between the two cities, the journey took just under 17 hours.
It was also the first time an A380 has touched down in Auckland since February 2020. According to the airline, the return of the double-decker demonstrates increased travel demand in and out of New Zealand.
Emirates has also been exploring opportunities to serve Latin America and Antinori says the airline is looking at ways to add flights to Mexico City.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways recently set a new world record for the longest flight. Their Doha-Auckland route is a staggering 9,033 miles long.
The airline’s long-range Boeing 777-200LR flew from Doha to Auckland, New Zealand in 16 hours and 23 minutes. It’s a journey that stretches across ten time zones.
But that’s just the start. The aircraft also crossed the Pacific Ocean, flying over 10 islands along the way.
It was a challenging trip for the crew, as well as the passengers, on board. The captain, Aaron Hubbard, has offered some advice for people planning long-haul flights.
Travel with a travel insurance policy for your next adventure. This will cover you if your flights are changed or cancelled and you won’t have to lose out on money.