The Longest Flights From the USA. Image: KnowInsiders

Ultra-long-haul air travel is no longer just for seasoned business travelers — it's become a seamless part of global connectivity. With modern aircraft like the Airbus A350-900ULR and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, airlines now operate routes once considered impossible, turning 17+ hour journeys into comfortable, tech-enhanced experiences.

This 2025 guide covers the Top 10 Longest Flights Departing from the United States, highlighting the aircraft, airlines, distances, and what makes each route unique — plus useful tips for passengers embarking on these epic journeys.

Read more: Top 10 Longest Flights in the World (2025) with The Unique

1. New York (JFK) – Singapore (SIN)

• Distance: 9,537 miles​

• Duration: Approximately 18 hours 50 minutes​

• Airline: Singapore Airlines​

• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR​

• Unique Features: This flight is renowned for its premium service, offering only Business and Premium Economy classes to ensure maximum comfort on this nearly 19-hour journey. ​

2. Newark (EWR) – Singapore (SIN)

• Distance: 9,535 miles​

• Duration: Approximately 18 hours 45 minutes​

• Airline: Singapore Airlines​

• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900ULR​

• Unique Features: Similar to the JFK-Singapore route, this flight offers an exclusive premium cabin experience, ensuring passenger comfort during one of the world's longest flights. ​

3. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Melbourne (MEL)

• Distance: 8,992 miles​

• Duration: Approximately 17 hours 35 minutes​

• Airline: Qantas​

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner​

• Unique Features: This route connects two major business hubs, emphasizing the growing demand for direct connectivity between North America and Australia. ​

4. New York (JFK) – Auckland (AKL)

• Distance: 8,828 miles​

• Duration: Approximately 17 hours 30 minutes​

• Airlines: Qantas, Air New Zealand​

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner​

• Unique Features: This transpacific route serves as a critical connection between Oceania and the United States, with both airlines competing to attract premium travelers. ​

5. Los Angeles (LAX) – Singapore (SIN)

• Distance: 8,770 miles​

• Duration: Approximately 17 hours 50 minutes​

• Airline: Singapore Airlines​

• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900​

• Unique Features: This flight offers passengers a direct link between the U.S. West Coast and Southeast Asia, featuring Singapore Airlines' renowned service and comfort. ​

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6. San Francisco (SFO) – Bengaluru (BLR)

• Distance: 8,702 miles​

• Duration: Approximately 17 hours 55 minutes​

• Airline: Air India​

• Aircraft: Boeing 777-200LR​

• Unique Features: This route connects two major tech hubs, facilitating business and technological exchanges between Silicon Valley and India's Silicon Plateau. ​

7. Houston (IAH) – Sydney (SYD)

• Distance: 8,596 miles​

• Duration: Approximately 17 hours 30 minutes​

• Airline: United Airlines​

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner​

• Unique Features: This flight provides a direct connection between the southern United States and Australia, catering to both business and leisure travelers.​

8. Chicago (ORD) – Auckland (AKL)

• Distance: 8,184 miles​

• Duration: Approximately 16 hours 55 minutes​

• Airline: Air New Zealand​

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner​

• Unique Features: This route offers a direct link between the Midwest USA and New Zealand, promoting tourism and cultural exchange.​

9. San Francisco (SFO) – Singapore (SIN)

• Distance: 8,446 miles​

• Duration: Approximately 17 hours 35 minutes​

• Airline: Singapore Airlines​

• Aircraft: Airbus A350-900​

• Unique Features: This flight connects two major tech and financial hubs, offering seamless travel for business professionals.

10. Los Angeles (LAX) – Melbourne (MEL)

• Distance: 7,921 miles

• Duration: ~16h 30m

• Airline: Qantas

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9

• What’s Unique: This Pacific route is a favorite for leisure travelers heading Down Under. Qantas offers seasonal menus, Australian wines, and onboard comfort features including self-service snack bars and in-seat stretch zones in Economy.

Expert Travel Tips for Ultra-Long-Haul Flights

Flying 16 to 19 hours straight? Here are practical ways to stay sane (and even enjoy it):

Choose Your Seat Wisely
On long-haul flights, avoid seats near restrooms or galleys. Opt for aisle seats in the front cabin if you plan to move around.

Hydration Is Non-Negotiable
Drink water regularly and avoid too much caffeine or alcohol. Bring a reusable water bottle and ask flight attendants for regular refills.

Invest in Comfort Accessories
Bring a good neck pillow, eye mask, compression socks, and noise-canceling headphones. These small items make a big difference.

Set Your Watch to Destination Time
Adjust your internal clock by eating and sleeping according to your arrival city’s time zone as early as possible.

Get Moving
Stand up every 2–3 hours. Do simple stretches in the galley or at your seat to improve circulation and avoid stiffness.

Use the Airline’s Tech
Many ultra-long-haul flights offer Wi-Fi, seat-to-seat messaging, wellness videos, and even guided meditation. Take advantage.

Final Thoughts

Ultra-long-haul flights from the USA are a showcase of how far aviation has come — connecting cities on opposite ends of the planet in a single hop. Whether you’re traveling for business, family, or adventure, these long routes eliminate layovers, reduce travel stress, and bring the world just a little closer.

As aircraft technology continues to improve, we’ll likely see even longer flights on the horizon — including Qantas' Project Sunrise, which plans to connect New York to Sydney non-stop in under 20 hours.

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