Farther than flying from Taipei to New York！The World’s 10 Longest Nonstop Flights

Flights shrink distances across the globe, carrying travelers to famous sights and hidden corners. The world is so vast, with flights ranging from short hops to epic journeys. While the Taipei–New York route may already feel like a long haul, there are many others that go even farther. Below, TripPlus has compiled a list of the world’s 10 longest nonstop flights. Especially if you’ve racked up enough miles to redeem for business or first class, now is definitely the time to enjoy fully flat seats, great food, and top-tier service！

#1:

Auckland (New Zealand) ~ Doha (Qatar) – Qatar Airways (Flight QR 921)

This Qatar Airways route, launched in February this year, takes around 17 hours and 30 minutes (economy passengers might say: dead-eyed), covering a distance of 9,025 miles on a Boeing 777-200LR. Redeeming a business class ticket using the Oneworld alliance American Airlines program (click here) requires 80,000 miles one-way. With such a long flight, skipping business class would be quite the ordeal…

#2:

Auckland (New Zealand) ~ Dubai (United Arab Emirates) – Emirates (Flight EK 449)

Launched by Emirates in March 2016, this flight takes about 17 hours and covers 8,818 miles on an Airbus A380-800. Flying first class on the A380 allows you to enjoy a shower mid-flight and plenty of time to experience Emirates’ legendary first class service and facilities. However, redeeming a first class ticket for non-North America departures/arrivals is likely only possible through the Japan Airlines program (click here).

#3:

Dallas (USA) ~ Sydney (Australia) – Qantas (Flight QF 8)

Launched by Qantas in September 2014, this route takes about 16 hours and 50 minutes and spans 8,574 miles, operated by an Airbus A380-800. It’s also Qantas’ only gateway in the central U.S. Redeeming a first class seat using Alaska Airlines miles (click here) costs just 70,000 miles one-way！However, North America–Australia/New Zealand award flights are notoriously hard to book, and Qantas is quite stingy with releasing them, so you’ll need to do some serious digging if you hope to score one.

#4:

Johannesburg (South Africa) ~ Atlanta (USA) – Delta Air Lines (Flight DL 201)

Delta launched this route in June 2009, with a flight time of about 16 hours and 30 minutes over a distance of 8,434 miles, operated by a Boeing 777-200LR. On such a long journey, business class is definitely the way to go for comfort. But since Delta removed its award chart, mileage requirements are now set by an algorithm—so you’ll likely need a jaw-dropping number of miles to book this long-haul flight.

#5:

San Francisco (USA) ~ Singapore – Singapore Airlines (Flight SQ 31), United Airlines (Flight UA 1)

Both Singapore Airlines and United Airlines operate this route. Singapore Airlines launched it in October 2016, while United started in June 2016. The flight takes about 16 hours and 30 minutes and covers 8,433 miles. Singapore Airlines uses an Airbus A350-900, while United flies a Boeing 787-9. Flying direct from San Francisco on the West Coast is super convenient—why would anyone pick United when they could fly Singapore Airlines’ new A350? (Please don’t drag me off the plane.)

#6:

Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) ~ Los Angeles (USA) – Etihad Airways (Flight EY 171)

Etihad launched this route in June 2014, with a flight time of about 16 hours and 30 minutes and a distance of 8,372 miles, operated by a Boeing 777-200LR. Etihad generally gets good reviews for both its meals and service. On such a long flight, business or first class is the only way to go！Redeeming with partner airline American Airlines earns you a business class seat for 70,000 miles one-way, or first class for 115,000 miles one-way. Seriously, readers, if you get the chance, try Etihad—you won’t regret it.

#7:

Dubai (United Arab Emirates) ~ Los Angeles (USA) – Emirates (Flights EK 215 / EK 217)

Emirates has operated this route since October 2008, with a flight time of about 16 hours and 15 minutes and a distance of 8,321 miles. There are two daily flights: EK 215 uses an A380-800, while EK 217 uses a Boeing 777-200LR. I was lucky enough to fly the A380 first class on this route—the ample time allowed me to fully soak in Emirates’ luxurious style. Readers curious about my first class experience can click here (click here) to check it out.

#8:

Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) ~ Los Angeles (USA) – Saudia (Flight SV 41)

Saudia launched this route in late March 2014, with a flight time of about 16 hours and 10 minutes and a distance of 8,315 miles, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER. To be honest, I’m not very familiar with this airline, only knowing it’s part of the SkyTeam alliance. Plus, Saudi Arabia isn’t the easiest country to visit, so booking a flight with them might be a bit challenging at the moment…

#9:

Doha (Qatar) ~ Los Angeles (USA) – Qatar Airways (Flight QR 739)

Qatar Airways launched this flight in January 2016, with a flight time of about 16 hours and a distance of 8,288 miles, operated by a Boeing 777-200LR. When Qatar Airways had a business class promotion, one of our writers, Ryan, managed to snag a seat on this flight. On a 16-hour journey, having a fully flat business class seat is incredibly comfortable (whatever happened to that review?). Add in excellent service and food, and Qatar Airways is definitely an airline you’ll want to fly again and again. To redeem a business class seat on this route using American Airlines miles (also Oneworld), you’ll need 70,000 miles one-way. This is also currently Qatar Airways’ longest route to North America.

#10:

Dubai (United Arab Emirates) ~ Houston (USA) – Emirates (Flight No.: EK 211)

This flight, launched by Emirates in December 2007, has a flight time of approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes, covering a distance of 8,149 miles, and is operated using the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Originally, the Airbus A380-800 was used for this route, but it was later replaced by the Boeing 777-300ER. As a result, first-class passengers on this flight can no longer enjoy the experience of an in-flight shower or the luxury bar onboard—what a pity indeed~

As seen above, the top 10 are almost entirely dominated by Middle Eastern airlines. However, due to geographical factors, flying from the Middle East to the U.S. West Coast does indeed require covering an exceptionally long distance. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that EVA Air’s Houston ~ Taipei route ranks as the 24th longest in the world (with a flight distance of 7,921 miles)! Therefore, if you want to fully experience the premium hardware and service of EVA Air’s Royal Laurel Class, departing from Houston appears to be your best bet~

※This article is published with authorization from TripPlus, which has also agreed to the writing of the newsletter introduction and the revision of the title※