Hate Layovers? These 15 Ultimate Non-Stop Flights of 2024 Are Tailor-Made for You
If a five-hour direct flight gives you bad jet lag, imagine getting on a flight that travels nonstop for more than 14 hours. This isn’t just a silly exaggeration; some flights span several thousand miles, traveling across continents and multiple time zones. Here are some of the longest flights ever:
Singapore to New York City, U.S.
The world’s longest flight by distance is roughly 9537 miles and takes approximately 18 hours and 50 minutes to complete. The flight starts on an Airbus A350 by Singapore Airlines from Singapore to New York, JFK, and vice versa. Amazingly, the Airbus can fly 11,000 miles, so we may even see it complete more extensive routes sometime in the future.
Papeete, Tahiti to Paris, France
On March 15, 2020, an Air Tahiti Nui’s Boeing 787-9 set off from Papeete, Tahiti, to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport, covering a staggering 9765 miles. It took over 16 hours to complete, setting a world record for the longest domestic flight. The flight took this direct route because of COVID-19 restrictions in place, which prevented layovers. Although it easily overtakes the A350’s route, the flight has since re-added a layover in LA.
Auckland, New Zealand to Doha, Qatar
Spanning a little over 9000 miles, Qatar Airways’ Airbus A350 travels for over 16 hours from Auckland until it reaches Doha. On the return trip, the flight takes just a smidge over 17 hours, setting travelers up for a nasty jet lag when they finally get home. Interestingly, this flight was temporarily paused during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, but it finally took flight once restrictions were lifted in 2023.
Perth, Australia to London, United Kingdom
Qantas Airways’ Boeing 787-9 set a record back in 2018 for being the first nonstop flight between Europe and Australia. The flight was also the first to connect the United Kingdom and Australia directly, traveling over 9000 miles and completing its route in under 18 hours. The flight still runs weekly, with at least seven direct flights from Perth to London. Of course, you’d have to accept a rough jet lag to get on this flight.
Dallas, U.S. to Melbourne, Australia
Three flights take their leave from the U.S. to Oceania; two of Qantas’ Boeing start from Dallas to Melbourne and New York to Auckland, while a third by Air New Zealand travels from New York to Auckland. The flight distance for Qantas’ Dallas to Melbourne route is 8992 miles and about 17 hours and 30 minutes. Qantas’ flight from New York to New Zealand covers 8828 miles and takes 17 hours and 35 minutes. Air New Zealand’s Boeing also covers the same distance and duration.
Auckland, New Zealand to Dubai, UAE
If you’d like to cross continents without layovers and while reclining in one of the world’s best first class, book your ticket with Emirates’ Airbus Air 380, which travels over 8800 miles from Auckland to Dubai and vice versa. The flight takes a bit over 15 and 16 hours, depending on whether you’re flying inbound or outbound. The flight was introduced initially to encourage nonstop service and is still flying today.
Los Angeles, U.S. to Singapore
Another airbus by Singapore Airlines travels some of the longest distances ever, with 8770 miles under its belt. It flew from Los Angeles to Singapore, and it was once the longest flight ever until it was beaten by the NY-Singapore route. The flight even set the record for the world’s longest direct commercial flight at the time of its introduction, and amazingly cost less than $400 at that time.
San Francisco, U.S. to Bengaluru, India
Singapore isn’t the only Asian nation beating records; Air India’s Boeing 777 hauled close to 8700 miles and broke a few records along the way. The Airbus traversed Air India’s longest route and the longest flight duration inbound and outbound the country. Amazingly, it was also the first flight to connect the United States to Bengaluru, marking a new first for business and tech enthusiasts. An even bigger achievement was made in 2021 when an all-women flight crew operated the flight.
Dallas, U.S. to Sydney, Australia
Qantas Airways and United Airlines compete for 9th place for the world’s longest flights. The duo set sail (or wing) from the U.S. to Sydney, covering about 8500 miles, with just a tiny difference of 15 minutes between them. Qantas Airbus operates from Dallas to Sydney, while United Airlines’ Airbus flies from Houston to Sydney, both taking about 17 hours to complete.
New York, U.S. to Manila, Philippines
Boarding from the JFK airport in New York, an Airbus A350 spans about 8500 miles, reaching Manila in the Philippines after about 16 hours and nearly 50 minutes. The flight still operates weekly, with four direct flights running the course. The flight is the Philippines Airlines’ first longest haul along the globe and naturally comes with a whopping few days’ worth of jet lag.
San Francisco, U.S. to Singapore
Yet again stepping into the field, Singapore Airlines operates a 17-hour flight from San Francisco to Singapore. But it isn’t the only Airbus that crosses the 8400 miles; United Airlines flies the same distance and has since 2016—both flights still run every week, usually two flights by each airline.
Johannesburg, South Africa to Atlanta, U.S.
Crossing continents, the long haul flight from Johannesburg, South Africa, on the Airbus A350 takes about 16 hours to reach Atlanta, U.S. The flight travels over 8400 miles and has successfully operated the route since 2021. It has three direct flights every week, so it naturally gets incredibly busy at both Johannesburg International and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
San Francisco, U.S. to Mumbai, India
Yet another feat by Air India, its Boeing runs from San Francisco in the United States to Mumbai in India, flying for over 16 hours until it finally lands. The airline operates three direct flights weekly to meet customer demands, but Air India also offers layovers with a similar route to facilitate exhausted travelers. Passengers cross the continents with just a smidge over 8400 miles.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Los Angeles, U.S.
Three flights soar from the Saudi Arabia and UAE borders; Emirates and Qatar Airways operate two airbuses, and one is Boeing by Saudia Airlines. All three flights take roughly 16 hours, 20-25 minutes, and travel about 8300 miles. Saudia’s Boeing departs from Jeddah to Los Angeles; Qatar Airways’ flight runs from Doha to LA, while Emirates operates a route from Dubai to LA.
Perth, Australia to Rome, Italy
Lastly, we’ve got the Boeing 787-9, which sets off from Perth, Australia, and arrives in Rome, Italy, after flying nonstop for close to 16 hours. The flight spans 8200 miles and has been running successfully for three seasons. Naturally, the route gets a lot of attention, so tickets quickly sell out, so passengers are encouraged to book months in advance.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.