The World’s Longest Flights: Routes Where an Upgrade is Essential

The World’s Longest Flights: Routes Where an Upgrade is Essential Written by Barnaby Taylor. Published on 24th August, 2018. Category: Just For Fun

With planes becoming more advanced, it’s now possible for longer journeys to be made without re-fuelling, so you have fewer stopovers along the way. While it’s great to simply board a plane and then touch down close to your final destination, longer flights can be a chore if you’re stuck in economy class, especially if you’re stuck with cramped legroom and lack of entertainment. That’s why it makes sense on longer flights to upgrade to first or business class flights, not only do they mean you enjoy more comfortable seats, but you’re more likely to get a nap and arrive feeling refreshed.

Here are some of the world’s longest flights where you’ll appreciate that extra space.

New York to Singapore – 18 hours, 45 minutes

Singapore Airlines recently announced plans to launch the world’s longest flight in October 2018, running direct from New York to Singapore. Covering 9,500 miles and taking almost 19-hours, this flight will take place on one of Singapore Airlines’ converted A350-900ULR planes, made for longer range flights. This means that to get better fuel efficiency, there won’t be an economy class, rather it’ll have premium economy and business class seats, so nobody will have to endure cramped legroom.

Not only will you get the premium service that Singapore Airlines is known for, the planes will have higher ceilings and larger windows, which aims to reduce jetlag and make a more pleasant flying environment.

Doha to Auckland – 17 hours, 30 minutes

Currently the longest commercial flight in the world, Qatar Airways offer a direct route from Doha in Qatar to Auckland in New Zealand which clocks in at a bottom-numbing 17 hours and 30 minutes. If you’re undertaking this epic flight, it’s worth looking for cheap business class flights to give yourself some extra legroom, and luckily Qatar Airways offers extras such as:

• Lie-flat beds
• Luxury loungewear and bedding
• A roomy business class cabin
• Entertainment centres with power sockets at each seat
• On-demand menu service

With this level of service, it’s a lot easier to get through those 17 odd hours, and you can at least turn up feeling well-rested and well-fed.

London to Perth, 16 hours, 45 minutes

image credit: QANTAS

The longest commercial flight from the UK, Qantas Airlines began offering the London to Perth service in March 2018, marking the first direct UK to Australia flight on the market. Avoiding the usual stopover in the Middle East or Asia, these flights take place onboard modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airlines, which has larger windows to let you see the view, and dimmer switches instead of the usual window shades. This kind of flight demands an upgrade, with Qantas offering ‘business cabins’ with lie flat beds, noise cancelling headphones, and excellent entertainment, since you’ve got plenty of time to watch several movies.

For long and short-haul flights in business or first class cabins, take a look around our website. Our team can work out the easiest journey to suit your needs, simply fill in our online contact form, or call 0208 417 1366 and we’ll find the best route for you.