When it comes to ultra-long-haul travel, one route stands out above the rest—the Singapore to New York flight operated by Singapore Airlines. This flight covers a mind-boggling 9,537 miles nonstop, making it the longest regularly scheduled airline flight on the planet. Can you imagine being in the middle seat in coach for that long? Well, thankfully, this flight doesn’t have those tiny economy seats, so that’s one thing you won’t have to worry about.
Keep reading for more facts about the longest flight in the world, including all the amenities passengers can take advantage of during the flight and the price you’ll pay to board.
How long is the longest flight in the world?
If you take the New York to Singapore flight, expect to spend most of the day in the air. In total, passengers who fly on the longest flight in the world are airborne for a whopping 18 hours and 40 minutes, nearly an entire day spent soaring across the world. The aircraft that makes such an extremely long-haul flight possible is the Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range). This specialized aircraft features a modified fuel system that allows it to carry a higher quantity of jet fuel, giving it the extended range required to complete the Singapore-New York route without refueling stops.
Comfort amenities for the world’s longest flight
Spending nearly 19 hours confined to an aircraft cabin isn’t easy. To take passengers through this long flight in relative comfort, Singapore Airlines has outfitted its Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft with an array of amenities:
- Cozy comforts like wrinkle-reducing clothing sprays in the amenity kits, plush bedding, and high-quality pillows.
- A cabin lighting system that transitions through different mood settings, including pulsing lights designed to help regulate sleep cycles and ease jet lag.
- Immaculately maintained lavatories with flight attendants frequently cleaning them between passenger use.
- There are personal screens at every seat with over 100 on-demand video options and space to plug in USB drives or your mobile devices with your own content.
- Extensive in-flight entertainment with 740 music options.
- Power outlets and USB charging ports at each seat.
- And perhaps most importantly, Wi-Fi to stay connected throughout the journey.
Plus, there are gourmet dining options that you can pre-select 15 days before your flight’s departure. According to Singapore Airlines, “Cabin pressure changes the way you perceive taste. Rich flavors become mild. Aromas are subtle. Nuances are missed. That’s why we test all chefs’ creations under pressure, literally. We bring their dishes into a simulated pressurized cabin and spend hours there, sampling and adjusting the flavors, so our food can taste its best for you to enjoy at 30,000 feet.”
While the in-flight amenities may help make the 19 hours at cruising altitude more bearable, there’s no denying that an entire day spent confined to an aircraft can still present a physical and mental challenge.
The premium price of convenience
You won’t find Basic Economy on this flight. The aircraft is equipped with 67 business class seats and 94 premium economy class seats to ensure passengers are comfortable on long flights. There is no economy-class seating available. Of course, the world’s longest flight doesn’t come cheap.
As you might expect, the world’s longest flight comes with a hefty cost. Premium economy fares can start at around $2,700 roundtrip, while business class fares can reach over $6,600. Due to high demand, premium cabin fares can enter the five-digit territory on peak dates. But for many travelers, the nonstop convenience and added comforts make the world’s longest flight worth the premium price tag.
How does the shortest flight in the world compare?
Forget about gourmet meals, lie-flat first-class seats, and in-flight entertainment; if you take the shortest regularly scheduled flight in the world, you’ll be lucky to read a single page in your book between takeoff and landing. That’s because the flight is just a little bit shorter than the Singapore to New York run — 18 hours and 38 and a half minutes shorter. The flight, which lasts just 90 seconds (but sometimes can last just under a minute depending on winds), goes between Westray and Papa Westray islands in the northern isles of Scotland, a distance of just 1.7 miles.
You may ask, what is the purpose of such a short flight? While a ferry between the two islands takes just under 30 minutes, the flight is significant to people living on the islands. Doctors can use the flight to reach patients faster, and patients can use it to reach medical facilities when necessary.
Of course, the flight has become popular with tourists who want to say that they’ve flown on the world’s shortest flight, and Loganair, which operates the flights, has leaned into this, providing each passenger with a certificate saying they have taken the shortest flight in the world.
The flights run every day. On weekdays, there’s a flight from Westray to Papa Westray in the morning and then a return flight from Papa Westray to Westray in the afternoon. On Saturdays, there’s only one flight, an afternoon flight from Westray to Papa Westray. On Sundays, there is only one evening flight from Papa Westray to Westray. The airfare starts at just under $20.
