Fly Through The Air For Almost 19 Hours On The World's Longest Nonstop Flight

Flying for any amount of time can be daunting and fatiguing, even more so when layovers are involved. However, if you plan to travel to Singapore from New York or vice versa, you won't have to worry about this if you fly with Singapore Airlines. Since 2020, Singapore Airlines has offered the world's longest nonstop flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).

Before the introduction of this flight, passengers traveling on the same route had a layover in Frankfurt, Germany. Now, travelers fly 9,500 miles in 18 hours and 50 minutes. This incredibly long flight is undertaken by an Airbus A350-900ULR (ULR stands for ultra-long-range), designed to fly nonstop for 20 hours. The plane can also accommodate between 300 and 350 passengers. 

Likewise, the A350 only has two different cabin classes: business class and premium economy. That's right, economy is not offered on this flight; needless to say, it's pricy. A roundtrip flight will likely cost travelers more than $2,000 for a premium economy seat and over $9,000 for business class.

With that said, passengers leaving from JFK will depart from Terminal 4 and find that surviving a long-haul flight in a business class seat won't be a problem with Singapore Airlines.

Passengers flying business class during the over 18-hour flight to Singapore from New York can expect a pleasant experience, to say the least. While wanting more legroom is common, that will not be the case on this flight. With a width of 28 inches, the business-class seats are incredibly roomy. They can be best described as private pods that convert into flat beds for sleeping. 

And yes, Singapore Airlines provides linens so you can ease into your slumber as best as possible. At your seat, you will find USB ports to charge your devices. There are storage features within the seat, free Wi-Fi, and an amenity kit. However, many have noted that passengers must ask for the amenity kit, which has an eye mask and other products.

Moreover, passengers will be happy to learn that there is plenty of entertainment. In fact, there are 1,900 options that include movies, music, and more. A handheld remote is used to control the media console. 

As for food, there are two set meals with different courses. Singapore Airlines' "Book the Cook" feature lets passengers pick their dishes before they board their flight. Menu items include braised short ribs, lobster thermidor, and more. However, if passengers get hungry between these meals, snacks are available upon request.

Although 19 hours is a long time to be on a plane, reviewers have said the nonstop business class flight is worth it. For example, in a review for Business Insider, writer Taylor Rains said, "Overall, Singapore's business class was the best airplane experience I've ever had. The world's longest flight went by quickly thanks to the huge, comfortable bed and plethora of entertainment."

On the other hand, Ramsey Qubein from Condé Nast Traveler praised the customer service on the flight and said that he was able to get 11 hours of sleep in the air. Qubein also noted that fliers can check what's on the menu for their flight a week in advance using Book the Cook. 

It's no wonder that travelers are dishing out thousands of dollars for this flight. Likewise, arriving or departing at Singapore Changi Airport isn't too shabby either. In 2023, Skytrax named it the best airport in the world. 

Are you curious about the world's other longest nonstop flights? At 18 hours and 45 minutes, the Singapore Airlines flight from Newark to Singapore comes in second place. Fliers here can expect the same experience as they would from a flight from JFK to Singapore.