Grayson West
Spending 17 hours in the air might sound exhausting—or like the pinnacle of modern flight. With more efficient aircraft and smarter cabin design, airlines are now pushing the limits of nonstop travel. These ultra-long routes link far-off cities in one incredible haul. Here’s a look at the longest nonstop flights crossing the skies today.
Singapore To New York (JFK): Singapore Airlines
Few routes go farther—this one spans 9,537 miles and lasts close to 19 hours. The Airbus A350-900ULR delivers a smooth ride with wellness-focused meals and jet lag-reducing lights. This nonstop course bridges Southeast Asia and the U.S. East Coast without a single layover.
Perth To London: Qantas Airways
Qantas made aviation history in 2018 with the first-ever nonstop link between Australia and Europe. The 9,009-mile flight takes just over 17 hours on the Dreamliner, where quieter cabins, cleaner air, and gentle lighting help ease jet lag and make the long stretch feel more manageable.
Auckland To Dubai: Emirates
The Auckland-Dubai trip serves as a key link for New Zealand travelers heading to Europe or Africa. One of the longest flights in the Emirates network, the 8,824-mile trip takes about 17 hours and 10 minutes. Travelers aboard the A380 can unwind in onboard lounges or refresh with a shower.
Los Angeles To Singapore: Singapore Airlines
Traveling from Los Angeles to Singapore aboard Singapore Airlines is one of the most efficient and comfortable ways to cross the Pacific. It provides a quieter cabin, ergonomic seating, and health-conscious meals. This 8,770-mile flight connects Hollywood to Asia’s tech hub in under 18 hours on the A350-900.
Dallas/Fort Worth To Melbourne: Qantas Airways
Qantas operates Dallas to Melbourne with a 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline travels nearly 9,000 miles from cowboy country to koala territory in over 17 hours. Skipping the usual West Coast stopovers, it delivers a more direct and restful trans-Pacific experience.
San Francisco To Bangalore: Air India
Covering 8,709 miles, the flight uses Air India’s Boeing 777-200LR, which offers spacious seating and authentic Indian cuisine. Most business travelers love this direct link between California’s tech hub and India’s Silicon Valley. Best of all, it skips lengthy stopovers in Europe or the Middle East.
Doha To Auckland: Qatar Airways
Doha to Auckland was the world’s longest nonstop flight when it launched in 2017, spanning 9,031 miles. It remains the airline’s longest course. The journey, lasting around 17.5 hours, is operated by a Boeing 777-200LR, which features Qatar Airways’ award-winning Qsuite business class.
New York (JFK) To Manila: Philippine Airlines
No layovers, just 8,519 miles of uninterrupted travel between New York and the Philippines. The 16-hour flight uses the Airbus A350-900, known for its fuel efficiency and smoother cabin pressure. Filipino favorites are served onboard, making it feel like home before you even land.
Newark To Hong Kong: Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific’s 8,072-mile journey from Newark to Hong Kong takes about 16 hours aboard the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000. As a Skytrax 5-star carrier, the airline delivers service excellence and a refined in-flight experience. This route also serves finance and tech travelers connecting major global economic hubs.
Houston To Sydney: United Airlines
United Airlines provides a direct link between the two energy capitals with zero connecting flights needed. It operates this distance with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its enhanced air quality and passenger comfort. Covering about 8,596 miles in close to 17 hours, the journey bypasses the West Coast entirely.