The 10 Longest Nonstop Commercial Flights in the World [2023]

For many, a 17+ hour long-haul sounds plain awful and likely conjures thoughts of hours spent cramped in an economy seat.

However, for points and miles geeks, the tables are turned. These travel hacking ninjas are generally ecstatic about the increasing number of 17+ hour flights. It’s not uncommon for points nerds to go out of their way to hop on one of the longest commercial flights in the world (and we’d know: we’ve done it!).

Why would anyone subject themselves to a 17+ hour flight on purpose? Because oftentimes, they’re not flying economy.

Jetting around the world (literally) on one of the longest nonstop flights in existence means maximum time to enjoy truly fantastic products. It’s a big redemption win for seriously hard-earned miles!

We’re diving into the 10 longest nonstop flights in the world and what they’re worth from a points perspective — along with some fun facts and the aircraft primed to get you to your destination.

Table of contents

The Top 10 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World
Mapping the Flights
About the Aircraft
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

The Top 10 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World
Mapping the Flights
About the Aircraft
Final Thoughts

The Top 10 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World

Summary

Route	Airline	Distance	Scheduled Flight Time
1. Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK)	Singapore Airlines	9,537 miles	18 hours, 50 minutes
2. Singapore (SIN) to Newark (EWR)	Singapore Airlines	9,523 miles	18 hours, 45 minutes
3. Perth (PER) to London (LHR)	Qantas	9,010 miles	17 hours, 15 minutes
4. Melbourne (MEL) to Dallas (DFW)	Qantas	8,992 miles	17 hours 35 minutes
5. Auckland (AKL) to New York (JFK)	Air New Zealand	8,828 miles	17 hours, 50 minutes
6. Dubai (DXB) to Auckland (AKL)	Emirates	8,824 miles	17 hours, 10 minutes
7. Singapore (SIN) to Los Angeles (LAX)	Singapore Airlines	8,770 miles	17 hours, 50 minutes
8. Bangalore (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO)	Air India	8,701 miles	17 hours, 40 minutes
9. Darwin (DRW) to London (LHR)	Qantas	8,620 miles	17 hours, 55 minutes
10. Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD)	United Airlines	8,596 miles	17 hours, 35 minutes

1. Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK) – Singapore Airlines: 9,537 Miles

Scheduled flight time: 18 hours, 50 minutes
Flight Number: SQ 23
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
Best business class redemption: 111,500 Singapore KrisFlyer miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch all 6 movies in the “Mission Impossible” franchise, plus “Top Gun” AND “Jerry Maguire”… and still have about 3 hours to rest, relax, and enjoy a drink.
Mileage-wise, drive from Austin to Anchorage AND BACK with over 1,000 miles to spare (and it would take you about 6 days).

This route exclusively utilizes premium economy (94) and business class (67) seats on the A350-900ULR.

2. Singapore (SIN) to Newark (EWR) – Singapore Airlines: 9,523 Miles

Scheduled flight time: 18 hours, 45 minutes
Flight number: SQ 21
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
Best business class redemption: 111,500 Singapore KrisFlyer miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch at least 9 movies in the “X-Men” universe and still have a few minutes to spare.
Mileage-wise, drive from Manhattan to Miami and back 3.5 times (it would take you almost 6 days without stops).

This flight crosses a seemingly impossible 10 time zones!

3. Perth (PER) to London (LHR) – Qantas: 9,010 Miles

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 15 minutes
Flight number: QF 9
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Best business class redemption: 85,000 American miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy)
Best first class redemption: 115,000 American miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch all 6 movies in the “Rocky” franchise and still have a few hours to spare.
Mileage-wise, drive from Seattle to San Diego and back more than 3.5 times.

4. Melbourne (MEL) to Dallas (DFW) – Qantas: 8,992 Miles

Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours 35 minutes
Flight number: QF 22
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 (launches December 2, 2022)
Best business class redemption: 55,000 Alaska miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy)
Best first class redemption: 70,000 Alaska miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch all 5 movies in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise and still have about 5 hours to spare.
Mileage-wise, drive from Tuscon to Tampa and back twice with miles to spare.

5. Auckland (AKL) to New York (JFK) – Air New Zealand: 8,828 Miles

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 50 minutes
Flight number: NZ 1
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Best business class redemption: 120,000 ANA miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” trilogy and still have a few minutes to spare.
Mileage-wise, drive from Portland to Pittsburgh and back more than 1.5 times.

6. Dubai (DXB) to Auckland (AKL) – Emirates: 8,824 Miles

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 10 minutes
Flight number: EK 449
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR (resumes December 2, 2022)
Best business class redemption: 85,000 Japan Airlines miles + large cash surcharge one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy)
Best first class redemption: 210,500 Emirates Skywards miles one-way (transfer from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch all 4 movies in the “Indiana Jones” franchise plus all 3 movies in the “Jurassic Park” franchise and still have time to spare to start on the “Jurassic World” movies.
Mileage-wise, drive from Boston to Boise and back more than 1.5 times.

7. Singapore (SIN) to Los Angeles (LAX) – Singapore Airlines: 8,770 Miles

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 50 minutes
Flight number: SQ 37
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
Best business class redemption: 67,500 Asiana miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy) or 75,000 United miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards, Chase Ulitmate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)
Best first class redemption: 90,000 Asiana miles one-way (transfer from Marriott Bonvoy) or 95,000 United miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards, Chase Ulitmate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch all 3 movies in “The Godfather” trilogy and all 3 “Back to the Future” movies and still have time for 1 more film.
Mileage-wise, drive from Salt Lake City to Savannah and back more than twice.

8. Bangalore (BLR) to San Francisco (SFO) – Air India: 8,701 Miles

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 40 minutes
Flight number: UA 152
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR
Best business class redemption: 100,000 Air Canada points plus ~$35 in taxes and fees (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ulitmate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch all 5 movies in the “Die Hard” franchise, plus “12 Monkeys,” “The Fifth Element,” and “The Sixth Sense” and still have about an hour to spare.
Mileage-wise, drive from Las Vegas to Louisville and back twice with about 1,000 miles to spare

9. Darwin (DRW) to London (LHR) – Qantas: 8,620 Miles

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 55 minutes
Flight number: QF 9
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Best business class redemption: 85,000 American miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy)
Best first class redemption: 115,000 American miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch all 6 movies in the “Terminator” franchise and still have a few hours to start on “The Expendables” franchise.
Mileage-wise, drive from Grand Junction to Grand Rapids and back more than 3 times.

10. Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD) – United Airlines: 8,596 Miles

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 35 minutes
Flight number: UA 101
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 (resumes October 28, 2022)
Best business class redemption: 80,000 United miles one-way (transfer from Bilt Rewards, Chase Ulitmate Rewards, or Marriott Bonvoy)

You could:

Watch all 5 movies in the “Scream” franchise, then all 5 movies in the “Scary Movie” franchise.
Mileage-wise, drive from Atlanta to Albuquerque and back more than 3 times.

Hot Tip: Qantas has ordered the A350-1000 to fly the world’s longest flights from Sydney to New York and London as early as 2025.

Mapping the Flights

Great Circle Mapper longest nonstop flights — Image Credit: Great Circle Mapper

The above flights are listed by the shortest distance between 2 points on the Earth’s surface, also known as the great circle distance. This can vary from the actual distance due to a number of factors, including wind, severe weather, and closed airspace avoidance.

Flights are ranked by distance rather than flight time since flight time can vary significantly due to a number of different factors.

Great Circle Mapper Orthographic Map — Image Credit: Great Circle Mapper

About the Aircraft

As planes become more fuel-efficient and fuel costs remain relatively low, there’s a good chance we’ll continue to see big competition for a spot on the Longest Nonstop Flights in the World leaderboard.

Boeing and Airbus continue to implement innovative methods of increasing aircraft range and passenger capacity, therefore allowing major airlines to turn a profit from these ultra-long-haul flights.

These aircraft (currently) make up the Longest Nonstop Flights in the World roster:

Boeing 777-200LR — Air India, Emirates
Boeing 787-9 (Dreamliner) — Air New Zealand, Qantas, United
Airbus A350-900ULR — Singapore Airlines

Boeing 777-200LR

Range: 9,845 miles / 8,555 nautical miles / 15,843 kilometers
Capacity: 317 passengers
Engine: GE90-115B (turbofan)

The Boeing 777 commercial series is made up of 3 long-range, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliners. Boeing states that the 777 aircraft provides a considerably improved reach and increased revenue potential.

Boeing also claims the GE90-115B turbofan engine is the most powerful engine in the world. Operating with these twin engines, the plane can reach a max cruise speed of Mach 0.84 (644.5 mph) under specific conditions. The Boeing 777 series has also won a number of awards for its interior cabin design and passenger satisfaction.

The 777-200LR is the aircraft of choice for Emirates Dubai to Auckland and Air India’s Bangalore to San Francisco route.

Boeing 787-9 (Dreamliner)

Range: 8,786 miles / 7,635 nautical miles / 4,140 kilometers
Capacity: 290 passengers
Engine: GEnx-1B/Trent 1000

Boeing’s 787 series is comprised of 3 midsize, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliners. Combined, the 787 series currently services 170+ nonstop flights worldwide. The 787-9, however, is the only Dreamliner to make it on the Longest Nonstop Flights in the World roster.

Boeing states that its 787 series provides a number of advantages over other aircraft, including higher distance range, more cargo volume, higher fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and a more reliable aircraft.

The 787-9 is the aircraft of choice for all Qantas Perth to London, Melbourne to Dallas, and Darwin to London routes, Air New Zealand’s New York to Auckland route, and United’s Houston flight to Sydney.

Airbus A350-900ULR

Singapore Airlines A350 900ULR aircraft — Image Credit: Singapore Airlines

Range: 11,163 miles / 9,700 nautical miles / 17964 kilometers
Capacity: 161 (SQ configuration – premium economy and business class only)
Engine: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84

The Airbus A350 is a lighter aircraft that can fly further and be more cost-efficient than large double-decker jets like the 747 or A380. Because of the materials used, there’s also less maintenance required — an important aspect for global airlines. For passengers, you’ll find that the engine noise is substantially quieter, too.

The main feature of this new model of aircraft is the ability for the fuel tanks to hold more fuel, important for ultra-long-haul flights. In addition to extra fuel storage, there are aerodynamic improvements that, in combination with more fuel, allow the aircraft to serve routes that previously would have required a technical stop.

The A350-900ULR is the aircraft of choice for Singapore Airlines’ routes from Singapore to New York, Newark, and Los Angeles.

Final Thoughts

The competition for the top spot on the Longest Nonstop Flights in the World list won’t be ending any time soon. The only question is, how will the airlines choose to get there?

Within the past few years, we saw the final flight of the last U.S. carrier-operated Boeing 747, which used to be the hallmark of long-haul flights. In 2021, we saw several carriers announce they will be moving away from the behemoth A380 aircraft to save on fuel and match current passenger demands. Moving forward, will airlines shy away from these jumbo jets in search of slimmer, more efficient aircraft? Or will planes like the Airbus A380 continue to evolve, providing a more efficient and profitable means of carrying passengers around the world?

From a points perspective, we certainly hope it’s the latter. The optimized business and first class cabins of the more upscale carriers are every miles chaser’s dream.

Rewarding your hard-earned miles with 17 hours in business class on a 787-9 is unbeatable.

Featured Image Credit: Adobe Stock/ Chalabala

Frequently asked questions

What is the longest flight time in the world?

The longest nonstop commercial flight in the world is scheduled at 18 hours and 50 minutes from Singapore (SIN) to New York City (JFK) serviced by Singapore Airlines.

What is the longest flight in the world by distance?

The longest flight in the world by distance is New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) on Singapore Airlines clocking in at 9,537 miles.

What plane can fly the farthest in the world?

The current record for the longest-distance commercial flight is held by a Boeing 777-200LR. This flight from Hong Kong International Airport to London Heathrow took the long way (vs. great circle distance) and was logged at 21,602 km (13,423 miles / 11,664 nautical miles).

What is the largest plane in the world?

The largest commercial jet airliner in the world is currently the Airbus A380.

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About Erin Miller

Erin currently maintains her status as Alex's adventure-seeking partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points through in-depth content creation and relationship management.

She caught the travel bug just after high school when her grandmother took her on a 2-week, whirlwind trip around Europe. That was that --- she's been gallivanting around the globe ever since (26 countries & counting)!

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

27 comments

Peter May 7, 2018

Question about Johannesburg – Atlanta (Delta) Best Biz Class Redemption: 75k Air Canada Miles, One-Way

Is the author referring to Aeroplan/ Air Canada which is Star Alliance??

Reply
- Michael McHugh May 7, 2018
  
  Hi Peter
  
  The article incorrectly stated that you can use Aeroplan for this redemption. The best redemption (I’d recommend using Expert Flyer for award availability) is either 100k Flying Blue miles one-way or 120k Korean Air miles round-trip. The lowest amount of miles I found on Delta was 325k one-way!
  
  Reply
Mel May 15, 2019

This must be a couple years old. Jurassic Park has five movies.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton May 16, 2019
  
  Hi Mel, looks like the last Jurassic Park movie came out in 2018 so we just missed counting it. Thanks for reading.
  
  Reply
Tim McElligott June 28, 2019

What’s the difference between the Singapore to Newark route mentioned here as being 9,540 miles and the one taken in 2004 which was the first non-stop 10,000-mile-plus passenger airline flight coming in at 10,335 miles?

Reply
- Erin Miller June 28, 2019
  
  Hi Tim, we use current running flights and current calculations on mileage according to great circle distance on great circle mapper. Possible this mileage decreased from 2004 via the use of a different plane model and slightly adjusted trajectory!
  
  Reply
Lourens Jacobs January 24, 2022

I love the Airbus a380.

Reply
Victor Traycey January 26, 2022

What about the new nonstop flight with Vietnam Airlines from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City? That launched just recently and according to flyer forums, the flight from SFO to Ho Chi Minh is 16 hours and 40 minutes.

Please advise, thank you.

Reply
Ariana Masha Ćan May 20, 2022

In November 2005, Pakistan International Airlines used the Boeing 777-200LR to complete the world’s longest nonstop flight by a commercial airliner. This flight lasted 22 hours and 22 minutes on the eastbound route between Hong Kong and London.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton May 21, 2022
  
  Hi Ariana. Yes! And that flight still holds the record for being the longest. Thank you for reminding us of this amazing accomplishment. Although we’ll not be able to use miles to secure a flight like that, some of the suggestions in the article should be fun experiences for those wanting to try some of those long haul flights.
  
  Reply
Tony Johnson September 29, 2022

What about Auckland, NZ to Doha around 18hrs+ on Qatar? Cheers

Reply
SHIBU VARGHESE October 2, 2022

Emirates starting Auckland flights December 2 2022?

Reply
Finky Suwererusa November 13, 2022

In having to look at all longest flights no one is talking about a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to New York 18 hr flight

Reply
- Keri Stooksbury November 14, 2022
  
  Hi Finky,
  The direct NBO-JFK flight on Kenya Airways is 15h00m and the return is 13h30m. Some of the 1-stop flights are over 18 hours.
  Thanks for reading and your feedback!
  
  Reply
Daniel February 18, 2023

JFK to Manila duration is 17h10 minutes but for some reason all these lists keep ignoring it.

Reply
- Keri Stooksbury February 18, 2023
  
  Daniel, this route falls just outside of our top 10! Thanks for reading!
  
  Reply
Nelson Silva de Sousa February 23, 2023

It is all amazing incredible and extraordinary, excellent, destinations, airlines, but how come you missed Madeira Island, (the best, World, and European, Insular Destination and the best Eurropean Cruise Ship Destination? And of course, where Cristiano Ronaldo was born! SATA Azores International is already flying directly and weekly, between New York and Madeira Island CR7 International Airport, Portugal! Why don’t all the other international airlines fly to Madeira Island CR7 International Airport or have Madeira Island in their direct and regular, flughts, yet? Afraid? I don’t think so! Portuese Pilots have been flying for years to Madeira Island, Portugal! Why don’t you come over for the Flower Festival? Safe flights and safe journeys! Have an excellent week! Cheers!

Reply
- Keri Stooksbury February 23, 2023
  
  Looks like New York (JFK) to Funchal (FNC) is around 7 hours, which is why it did not make our top 10 list. Thanks for reading!
  
  Reply
Chris A March 10, 2023

Sydney to Dallas nonstop with Qantas is longer than Houston to Sydney

Reply
jay April 13, 2023

This is I think is fake news, Philippine Airlines Manila to New York is the longest.

Reply
- Keri Stooksbury April 13, 2023
  
  This route falls just outside of our top 10! Thanks for reading!
  
  Reply
Khurram Aksar May 29, 2023

Hello……. Today JFK-SIN (SQ21) Has the Flight Time (19 hours and 06 minutes) kindly update…

Thank You

Reply
- Keri Stooksbury May 29, 2023
  
  Hi Khurram – that may be a slight adjustment for weather. The flight is generally 18h50m. Either way, SIN-JFK still holds our top spot! Thanks for reading!
  
  Reply
  - Khurram Aksar May 29, 2023
    
    Thanks Keri…. like it is calculated by the mileage, am I right ?
    
    Reply
    - Keri Stooksbury May 30, 2023
      
      Yes, it is #1 currently by both mileage and time.
      
      Reply
Khurram Aksar May 30, 2023

Respected Keri,

I want to acquire something about Doha (Qatar) as i saw in your profile, that currently you are living in doha…. as i am also planning to travel to Doha so kindly guide me…. if you have some of your precious time, thank you….

Reply
- Keri Stooksbury June 2, 2023
  
  Hi Khurram – happy to help in the comments if I can!
  
  Reply

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The 10 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World (From a Points & Planes Perspective)