Air travel is one of man’s greatest inventions, but despite being able to transport you from one section of the world to another, airlines are still working on cutting down flight times. Whether you want to mentally prepare ahead of your next long-haul excursion or avoid day-long flights, The Telegraph has ranked the world’s longest non-stop routes:
10. Johannesburg-Atlanta, Delta Air Lines
Atlanta is the world’s busiest aviation destination, moving more than 107 million passengers in 2018. The flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg is 8,439 miles, with the departing flight running 16 hours and 25 minutes while the return leg takes an hour longer thanks to jet streams.
9. San Francisco-Singapore, Singapore Airlines & United Airlines
Singapore and United Airlines compete on the Pacific crossing from San Francisco to Singapore, which runs 8,446 miles and lasts 16 hours and 35 minutes. Both airlines fly the route twice a day, but Singapore Airlines offers slightly wider seats, which could make a world of difference in a flight that long.
8. New York JFK-Manila, Philippine Airlines
The nonstop flight from New York to Manila is 16 hours and 45 minutes long, with a distance of 8,520 miles. Passengers can at least count on being comfortable in relatively roomy seats with 33 inches of legroom.
7. Dallas Fort Worth-Sydney, Qantas
Qantas flies the 8,557-mile journey between Dallas-Fort Worth and Sydney, Australia six times a week with each flight running 17 hours. The superjumbo A380 airbus is a favorite among passengers, with gentle turbulence and gentle landings. However, Qantas has a relatively small seat pitch compared to other long-haul flights, with just 31 inches of room.
6. Houston-Sydney, United
United Airlines departs from Houston to Sydney four times a week in an intimidatingly long flight that spans 17 hours and 15 minutes and 8,596 miles. The airline employs its 787 Dreamliner for this route, which offers LED lights, big windows, and impressive fuel efficiency.
5. Los Angeles-Singapore, Singapore Airlines
Though Singapore Airlines Los Angeles to Singapore trip is 200 miles further than Houston to Sydney at 8,769 miles, passengers arrive in just 17 hours flat. The flight also runs more often, with ten take-offs per week. Singapore airlines employs its A350-900ULR model for this super-long flight, which has a maximum range of more than 11,000 miles and can fly for up to 20 hours non-stop.
4. Auckland-Dubai, Emirates
Emirates makes the 8,823 mile trip from Dubai to Auckland, New Zealand using its A380 model, which carries a fleet of 112. The flight runs 17 hours and 5 minutes.
3. Perth-London Heathrow, Qantas
Breaking the 9,000-mile barrier is a relatively new option from Qantas that departs from Perth, Australia to London Heathrow airport. Launched in 2018, the route is a popular one with an average passenger load factor (PLF) of 94%.
2. Auckland-Doha, Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways held the record for the longest flight between February 5, 2017, until October 11, 2018, with its route from Auckland, New Zealand, to Doha, which runs almost 18 hours and closes a gap of 9,032 miles.
1. Newark-Singapore, Singapore Airlines
Besting Qatar out of the top spot is Singapore Airlines with its Newark to Singapore route. The 9,534-journey takes 18 hours and 45 minutes. The flight doesn’t offer any economy seats, assuming that passengers who relent to being on a plane for that long demand the extra amenities that come with premium-economy and business seats.