Last week, China Eastern Airlines launched the world’s longest commercial flight, clocking up to 29 hours between departure and arrival.
The journey – from China’s Shanghai Pudong Airport to Ezeiza International, Buenos Aires – covers 12,400 miles, with a two-hour stopover in Auckland, New Zealand, for fuel and crew rotation.
But while it officially takes the title for longest trip, Qantas announced plans to open a new 22-hour-long route from Sydney to London in 2027, and there are a number of existing flights which rack up almost as much in-air time.
These are the routes taking passengers furthest, along with the special features each airline offers to help lessen the impact of spending so long on a plane.
Full list of the world’s longest flights
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Singapore Airlines SQ23 / SQ24
Where it goes: New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN)
Distance: 9,537 miles
Flight time: 18 – 19 hours
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
In-flight experience: Passengers on this flight – which was the longest in the world before the new China Eastern Airlines launch – can expect complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages, along with an extensive entertainment selection to keep them occupied.
The amenities are better in business class and above though, from lie-flat seats and Le Labo toiletry kits to noise-cancelling headphones, Wi-Fi and premium bedding.
Additionally, this aircraft is known for being quieter and more fuel-efficient, with advanced cabin lighting and pressurisation to reduce jet lag.
Singapore Airlines SQ21 / SQ22
Where it goes: Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN)
Distance: 9,530 miles
Flight time: 17.5 – 19 hours
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR
In-flight experience: The amenities available on this flight are similar to the above, although as this one typically departs in the morning, passengers are typically awake longer.
As such, there’s a greater focus on meals, entertainment, and activities,
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Qatar Airways QR921
Where it goes: Auckland (AKL) to Doha (DOH)
Distance: 9,130 – 9,200 miles
Flight time: 17+ hours
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR
In-flight experience: Even in economy, passengers on this flight from New Zealand to Qatar can enjoy full meals and snacks, unlimited drinks – including premium spirits – and a range of entertainment options.
Parents can also take advantage of the Oryx Kids Club, with interactive kits, plush toys, and an app with augmented reality games and digital content for children – very necessary on such a long journey.
Meanwhile, travellers who book Qatar’s long-haul flagship product Qsuite (its business class offering) can access private suites, sometimes featuring double beds but always with plush bedding and stylish finishes, along with on-demand a la carte food service, noise-cancelling headphones, pyjamas, Diptyque products in the bathrooms, and hot towels.
Air New Zealand NZ1
Where it goes: New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL)
Distance: 8,820 – 8,830 miles
Flight time: 16.5 – 18 hours
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
In-flight experience: The 787 Dreamliner used for this flight features higher cabin humidity and lower effective cabin altitude than older jets, which improves passenger comfort on such a long trip.
In economy, you’ll get all the usual trappings like meals, entertainment, USB sockets and Wi-Fi, but there’s the option to upgrade to a Economy Skycouch, where your group’s row of seats literally turns into a reclining sofa.
Business class passengers can also enjoy perks like lie-flat beds, premium dining, toiletry kits, pyjamas, free seat selection and priority boarding.
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Emirates EK449
Where it goes: Dubai (DXB) to Auckland (AKL)
Distance: 8,600 – 8,800 miles
Flight time: 17+ hours
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800 (Emirates).
In-flight experience: Standard amenities on this flight include entertainment screens, complimentary meals and drinks, headphones, blankets, and pillows, along with reusable toiletry kits featuring essentials such as socks and dental accessories.
However, specific perks varying slightly by cabin class, with business passengers getting more space, enhanced dining, lie-flat seats and sometimes onboard lounges or showers.
First class get the true VIP treatment though, from private suites to a door-to-door chauffeur service.
Qantas QF9
Where it goes: Perth (PER) to London Heathrow (LHR)
Distance: 9,009 miles
Flight time: 17+ hours
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
In-flight experience: All classes feature personal entertainment screens and power sockets, with specific items like pyjamas and upgraded skincare in business and above.
Similarly, business class passengers get fully flat beds, noise-cancelling headphones, premium snacks and drinks, and access to WiFi, as well as priority check-in, dedicated boarding and a generous baggage allowance.
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