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

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.

The Top 10 Longest Nonstop Flights in the World

Summary

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

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. 

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

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.