In 2019, two Qantas flights, one from New York City one from London, set off on two landmark test flights, pushing the limits of ultra-long-haul air travel. Both aircraft arrived in just over 19 hours with 49 people on board, breaking the record for longest passenger flight. With modern passenger jets now capable of flying for more than 18 hours, ultra-long-haul flights are more accessible than ever. Here we take a look at some of the longest flights available to book now, plus a few coming very soon.
Emirates' daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Auckland were suspended due to the pandemic, but made a triumphant return at the start of December 2022, after running with a stop-off in Kuala Lumpur during the interim. The world's largest international airline, Emirates now covers the 8,824-mile (14,201km) distance with an Airbus A380-800, replacing the Boeing 777-200LR that previously flew the route.
As ever with Emirates, passengers can look forward to free Wi-Fi and more than 2,500 hours of films, TV and music to choose from. In First Class, the A380 offers a shower spa stocked with high-end toiletries and a stand-up bar serving drinks and light bites. Business Class passengers can enjoy a fold-out mini-bar and a 20-inch HD TV screen, while Premium Economy seats come with wood-grain tables and raised leg rests.
Serving 10 direct flights a week, Singapore Airlines ensures that your LAX-Singapore flight couldn’t be any smoother (or tastier) on their ultra-long Airbus A350-900 aircraft. You can choose from Economy and Premium Economy or really up the luxe in Business Class. Those travelling non-Economy are welcomed with a glass of champagne as soon as they step on board, and all passengers can make use of the free Wi-Fi.
You can pass the time playing web-based games or watch a film with your own private screen. When it comes to meals, their latest menu is quite the feast. Business Class can tuck into miso-marinated cod with rice, veggies and edamame puree while Premium Economy options include braised pork or tofu with couscous and vegetables.
Launching 3 December 2022, Qantas has continued its super-long-haul ambitions with this non-stop Texas to Australia route. The airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft covers the 8,992 miles (14,471km) from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Melbourne in 17 hours 35 minutes on the westbound leg. The flights feature 42 Business Class flat-bed seats, 28 Premium Economy recliner seats and 166 Economy seats with on-demand TV and 1,000 entertainment options.
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Just as on all Qantas' international aircraft, there is no Wi-Fi, but the food options will delight even the fussiest eaters. Expect generous portions even in Economy, accompanied by a range of Australian wines, spirits and non-alcoholic options. Your sleep hygiene is well taken care of with an amenities kit containing earplugs, eye mask and toothbrush, while those in Business Class can pamper themselves with a selection of wellness balms and creams.
United Airlines resumed its Houston to Sydney route in October 2022, which last flew in 2020 during the earliest days of the pandemic. The thrice-weekly route is flown by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, ferrying passengers between the tech companies of Texas and the beaches and bridges of Australia's first city. The Houston to Sydney leg is substantially longer than the return journey, which is a full two hours shorter at 15 hours 35 minutes.
Travellers can fly in comfort on the Dreamliner with mattress pads, blue gel pillows and cosy blankets to help them drift off. Mood lighting lines the aisles and slippers are available on request, while a Cowshed amenities kit comes complete with lip balm, hand cream, eye mask, socks, a pen and a few other extras like earbuds and toothpaste.
Perhaps the only ultra-long-haul route flown by two airlines – Singapore Airlines and United Airlines both run a direct non-stop flight from San Francisco International Airport to Singapore Changi Airport, and both take a scheduled 17 hours 35 minutes. Besides the branding, the only major difference is that Singapore Airlines flies an Airbus A350-900 and United opts for a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The planes are probably the two standard models for ultra-long-haul flying, and United and Singapore Airlines are among the world's most established ultra-long-haul flyers, so there are no wrong answers for your trip. Expect complimentary drinks, movies in the thousands, washkits filled with sleep-friendly amenities and lashings of luxury in non-Economy classes.
This brand-new New York to Auckland service launched in September 2022 and is already Air New Zealand’s flagship route. On board the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft there’s Economy, Premium Economy, Business and Economy Skycouches, which you can convert into a bed after take-off. Qantas is planning to open the same route in June 2023 as part of a service between New York and Sydney.
During the 17-hour-40-minute flight there's an emphasis on sleeping rituals: non-Economy passengers are equipped with relaxing balms, sleepy teas and snacks, as well as a ‘Zentertainment’ in-flight entertainment system. As you reach the final stretch, brunch is served along with a classic Kiwi flat white coffee to perk you up before landing.
After a two-year pandemic-related pause, the 9,000-mile (14,500km) non-stop flight between Perth and London Heathrow is back. The flight takes place aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with 42 Business Class flatbeds, 28 Premium Economy recliners and 166 Economy seats. The aircraft has been specially designed to improve comfort for long-haul flights, reduce turbulence and limit noise. It also has larger windows to create a greater sense of space. Economy and Economy Plus seats have footrests and a deeper recline than on most other aircraft.
With more than 2,500 hours of films, TV shows and more, time will fly by as you make your way to and from the British capital. For food and drink, Business passengers get snacks as well as free access to the in-flight bar, plus a selection of seasonal dishes paired with Australian wines. Economy and Premium Economy both get a meal service with drinks as well as access to a self-service snack bar throughout the flight.
Singapore Airlines' flights from Changi Airport to Newark, New Jersey aboard the Airbus A350-900 began in October 2019, and took a then-record 18 hours 45 minutes. After the pandemic, the route changed to finish at New York's JFK Airport – a slightly longer distance of 9,537 miles (15,349km), taking a bum-numbing 18 hours 50 minutes. In 2022, Singapore Airlines decided to run both routes, giving the airline the two longest regularly scheduled flights in the world – between the same two cities. Flying with four pilots ensures two can always rest during the long journey.
The aircraft's 161 seats include 67 Business Class and 94 in Premium Economy and the seats can be separated into small cabins with ample leg room and storage space. When it’s time to sleep, the attendants convert the seats into a bed. Wi-Fi is available for a small fee and there are 1,000 movie options to enjoy. The airline also tops the charts when it comes to its food service. Its Book the Cook service is available to those flying in Business Class, which allows passengers to pick dishes from its international culinary panel up to 24 hours before they fly.
Qantas aims to launch its ultra-long-haul programme, known as Project Sunrise, in 2025. The Australian airline has ordered 12 A350-1000s which will be delivered between 2025 and 2028, with the first two routes scheduled to be Sydney to London and Sydney to New York City. The extra fuel load will be overcome by having fewer passengers onboard, so expect more generous leg room. These flights are expected to reach the 19-hour mark, making them the longest in the world.
The aircraft will reportedly have 238 seats comprising six First Class suites, 52 Business Class suites, 40 Premium Economy seats and 140 in Economy. This means 40% of the seats will be premium. According to Qantas, its new aircraft will have a lower seat count than any other A350-1000s currently in service.
A Wellbeing Zone (artist impression pictured here) gives passengers a dedicated space to stretch their limbs on the ultra-long flights with digital displays depicting movement and stretching exercises. There will also be a self-service snack station in this area for when mid-flight hunger strikes. HEPA air filters will reduce 99% of particles and refresh the air every two minutes.
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