Inside Longest Flight in the World: 18-Hours Aboard Singapore Airlines

dailyblitz.de 8 hours ago

SINGAPORE- One of the Best airlines, Singapore Airlines (SQ), operates the world’s longest nonstop commercial flight to New York City (JFK) from Singapore (SIN), lasting an extraordinary 18 hours and 45 minutes.

This ultra-long-haul route tests the endurance of passengers and the adaptability of crew members. Lead flight attendant Madeline Khaw shares what it’s like to serve aboard SQ23, offering insights into the physical and emotional realities of life at 38,000 feet, T+L flagged.

Singapore Airlines’ Longest Flight in the World

For Singapore Airlines, operating the JFK–SIN route is more than just a test of aircraft capability—it’s a human challenge. Madeline Khaw, a senior crew member, has flown this route extensively and reveals that every flight is a complex mix of endurance, logistics, and teamwork.

Crew members work in rotating shifts to maintain safety and service standards. Rest periods are strictly scheduled, with designated bunks built into the aircraft. However, sleeping midair presents its own difficulties, from turbulence to dry cabin conditions.

Jet lag and physical fatigue accumulate over time, requiring flight attendants to adopt strict wellness routines, including skincare rituals and dietary adjustments.

Khaw emphasizes the mental challenges of crossing time zones that differ by 12 to 15 hours. “Fatigue is inevitable,” she says, “but preparation and mutual support among the crew make the difference.”

Long-haul shifts also deepen bonds between flight attendants. With 18 hours together in a confined space, moments of laughter or encouragement provide vital emotional boosts. The airline structures crew rosters and layovers to ensure proper recovery time before and after each flight.

The Passenger Experience at 38,000 Feet

Unlike short-haul flights, passenger behavior on SQ23 evolves throughout the journey. Khaw notes a distinct pattern: excitement at takeoff, mid-flight fatigue, and a rebound in mood as the destination nears. The extended duration fosters small yet memorable interactions.

On one occasion, Khaw lent her personal device to a frustrated passenger struggling to send an urgent email. That gesture led to an annual birthday greeting from the same traveler—proof of the lasting impact of empathy at cruising altitude.

Interactions like these, while rare on short flights, become more meaningful when hours stretch into double digits. For Khaw and her colleagues, maintaining emotional intelligence is just as important as performing standard safety duties.

Crew Rituals and Preflight Preparation

Flight attendants on ultra-long-haul routes follow strict routines before boarding. Khaw prioritizes time with family and a home-cooked meal to emotionally prepare for being away. She double-checks her essentials—uniforms, skincare products, and supplements—for the extended layover and recovery period.

Ashley Tan, another senior SQ crew member, highlights the importance of sleep, hydration, and avoiding caffeine before and during flights. Comfortable clothing during rest breaks and sleep routines adapted to time zone shifts is crucial to managing fatigue and performance.

Maintaining mental clarity is vital. “Reminding myself of the privilege of flying to a city like New York helps me stay centered,” Khaw says.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Longest Non-Stop Flights from Singapore in 2024 | Exclusive

Tips for Surviving Ultra-Long-Haul Travel

Based on years of experience, Khaw offers four practical tips to make long-haul flights more manageable:

Strategic Meal Timing: Stick to light, non-greasy meals before and during the flight to avoid bloating and discomfort.
Stay Hydrated: Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks; water is essential to reduce jet lag and cabin dehydration.
Comfort Matters: Dress in layers, pack moisturizing products, and bring comfort accessories like headphones and pillows.
Adjust to Time Zones Early: Start syncing your sleep and activity schedule to your destination’s local time during the flight.

These habits help both passengers and crew arrive more refreshed and less disoriented after nearly a day in the air.

A Unique Journey in Modern Aviation

Flight SQ23 symbolizes more than just distance—it reflects the growing demands placed on both travelers and airline staff.

As Singapore Airlines continues to lead in ultra-long-haul travel, it depends on well-trained professionals like Khaw to bridge continents with care, resilience, and humanity.

Despite the grueling hours, Khaw finds deep meaning in her role. “This job has taught me discipline, adaptability, and how to find balance in chaos,” she says.

For both crew and passengers, the longest flight in the world is a journey of endurance, connection, and personal growth.

Top 5 Longest Flights in the World

Singapore Airlines (SQ) continues to hold the record for the longest commercial flight globally, operating non-stop between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) using its Airbus A350-900ULR, as flagged by FlightRadar24.

1. Singapore – New York (SQ24/SQ23)

Singapore Airlines (SQ) operates the longest flight in the world from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) with its Airbus A350-900ULR, configured for 161 passengers. The SIN–JFK leg averages 18 hours, while the return JFK–SIN averages about 17 hours and 45 minutes.

Flights to New York typically route over the Pacific Ocean, entering the U.S. over Alaska or Seattle, while the reverse direction (JFK to SIN) flies across Europe and Central Asia. Routes may vary due to weather and air traffic.

Schedule (Daily):

SQ24: SIN 12:10 → JFK 18:50+1
SQ23: JFK 22:15 → SIN 05:30+2

2. Singapore – Newark (SQ22/SQ21)

Singapore Airlines also operates another ultra-long-haul route between Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which is just 8 kilometers shorter than the SIN–JFK route. This service also uses the A350-900ULR.

Flight times are comparable: SIN–EWR averages 18 hours, and EWR–SIN extends to around 18 hours and 30 minutes.

Schedule (Daily):

SQ21: EWR 09:35 → SIN 16:45+1

SQ22: SIN 23:35 → EWR 06:00+1

3. Doha – Auckland: Qatar’s Longest Route (QR920/QR921)

Qatar Airways (QR) maintains a lengthy intercontinental route from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Auckland International Airport (AKL), a flight spanning 14,535 km.

Operated using Boeing 777-200LR aircraft as of June 2025, this route takes approximately 15 hours and 15 minutes from DOH to AKL, and 16 hours and 45 minutes on the return.

The flight path commonly traverses the Indian Ocean, adjusting over Australian airspace based on meteorological and air traffic conditions.

Schedule:

QR921: AKL 13:15 → DOH 21:35

QR920: DOH 01:50/03:50 → AKL 02:45/04:45+1

Qantas (QF) operates two of the top five longest flights globally in 2025:

4. Perth – London Heathrow (QF9/QF10)

The Perth (PER) to London Heathrow (LHR) route spans 14,499 km and is flown daily using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

The flight from Australia to the UK takes about 17 hours, while the return is one hour shorter.

Schedule (Daily):

QF9: PER 18:35 → LHR 05:05+1
QF10: LHR 11:55 → PER 11:50+1

5. Melbourne – Dallas/Fort Worth (QF21/QF22)

Qantas also flies between Melbourne (MEL) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), covering 14,472 km. This four-times-weekly service uses Boeing 787-9s.

Eastbound, MEL–DFW takes around 14 hours and 45 minutes, while westbound flights stretch to about 17 hours and 15 minutes.

Schedule (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun):

QF21: MEL 15:05 → DFW 16:00
QF22: DFW 20:25 → MEL 05:00+2

Overview of the Top 5 Longest Flights by Distance

Rank Route Avg Time Airline Distance Aircraft

1	SIN–JFK	18h	Singapore (SQ)	15,349 km	A350-900ULR
	JFK–SIN	17h 45m	Singapore (SQ)	15,349 km	A350-900ULR
2	SIN–EWR	17h 45m	Singapore (SQ)	15,341 km	A350-900ULR
	EWR–SIN	18h 30m	Singapore (SQ)	15,341 km	A350-900ULR
3	DOH–AKL	15h 15m	Qatar Airways (QR)	14,535 km	B777-200LR
	AKL–DOH	16h 45m	Qatar Airways (QR)	14,535 km	B777-200LR
4	PER–LHR	17h	Qantas (QF)	14,499 km	B787-9
	LHR–PER	15h 50m	Qantas (QF)	14,499 km	B787-9
5	MEL–DFW	14h 45m	Qantas (QF)	14,472 km	B787-9
	DFW–MEL	17h 15m	Qantas (QF)	14,472 km	B787-9