The 15 Longest Non-Stop Flights In The World

Planes are scary machines that can be very intimidating, especially if you don't know anything about air travel. But with designs becoming ever more fuel-efficient, companies are able to accommodate even the most impatient passengers who don't have even an extra minute to spare. The following list is based on a route's distance.

Delhi, India to San Francisco, California – Distance: 9,408 miles

Can you be on a plane for about 16 hours and 30 minutes? You can try several tricks to sleep during this long journey, but, chances are that half of the time you'll be wide awake. This is the longest route in terms of distance.

Doha, Qatar to Auckland, New Zealand – Distance: 9,032 miles

Qatar Airways just recently launched its own nonstop flight to Auckland in New Zealand. Passengers spent 15 hours and 40 minutes in the air, even though the flight was expected to last just over 16 hours.  The trip covers a distance that is the equivalent to the full coastline of both islands of New Zealand.

Dubai, UAE to Panama City – Distance: 8,588 miles

The ultra-long-haul route between Dubai and Panama City has been postponed several times. Once Emirates starts this service, which was expected at the beginning of 2017, flight time is expected to be about 17 hours and 35 minutes.

Dubai, UAE to Auckland, New Zealand – Distance: 8,824 miles

Emirates' Dubai-Auckland route claimed the title of the world's longest regular non-stop airline route. It will take about 16 hours to get from one city to another. Make sure you know a few tricks to deal with the inevitable jet lag.

Dallas, Texas to Sydney, Australia – Distance: 8,578 miles

You can fly the distance with Qantas. Be prepared to spend about 17 hours in the air. Qantas switched from flying this route on a Boeing 747 to a new Airbus A380 about three years ago. The plane carries up to 484 passengers in four classes of service.

San Francisco, California to Singapore – Distance: 8,446 miles

United Airlines started offering this flight in June of last year (the first to make the service available) which usually lasts for about 17 hours and 30 minutes. Singapore Airlines followed suit in October, about two years earlier than originally planned.  

Johannesburg, South Africa to Atlanta, Georgia – Distance: 8,439 miles

Covering this distance will take just over 16 hours and 30 minutes in the air. People who don't like flying may have a problem with that, but don't worry: Turbulence doesn't cause crashes – that's a myth – and there are plenty of ways you can help yourself fall and stay asleep.

Abu Dhabi, UAE to Los Angeles, California – Distance: 8,390 miles

Etihad Airways offers this non-stop service. The estimated travel time is 16 hours and 30 to 45 minutes. When this flight was first scheduled in June 2014, L.A. was the 4th American city served by the airline. There are three classes offered – Business, Economy and First.

Dubai, UAE to Los Angeles, California – Distance: 8,339 miles

This trip is about 50 miles shorter than the Abu Dhabi-Los Angeles route but it takes about the same time – 16 hours and 15 minutes. The airlines uses the A380 plane for this route and it offers 14 Private First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 399 spacious seats in Economy Class.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Los Angeles, California – Distance: 8,332 miles

Passengers are going to be aboard Saudia's Boeing 777 for about 16 hours and 40 minutes. It's common to take just over 17 hours. The airport in Jeddah is one of the worst in the world according to flight attendants. LAX doesn't have a good reputation either.

Doha, Qatar to Los Angeles, California – Distance: 8,306 miles

You can fly the distance without any layovers with Qatar Airways. It will take about 16 hours. But you'll be comfortable. The airline has been ranked among the best in the world. Only moving down one slot since 2015, Qatar Airways still remains in the Top 5. It offers world-class service and a luxurious travel experience that is tailored to meet the travel experience of the passengers onboard.

Dubai, UAE to Houston, Texas – Distance: 8,168 miles

Emirates cover this distance for about 16 hours and 20 minutes. The long flight, however, is worth the experience at the Spaghetti Warehouse in Houston. The building is said to be one of the most haunted establishments in the country.

Abu Dhabi, UAE to San Francisco, California – Distance: 8,158 miles

This route is a fairly recent addition by Etihad Airways. If you wonder what to do during the 16 hours and 15 minutes it will take to get to you destination, try some helpful stretches and exercises during the flight to stay healthy and prevent aches.

Dallas, Texas to Hong Kong – Distance: 8,123 miles

American Airlines will take you to Hong Kong on a non-stop flight if you can last about 16 hours and 20 minutes (or up to 17 hours sometimes) in a plane without the opportunity to leave. It sounds daunting but you can trick your body to fall asleep. Just don't ask the flight attendants to dance if you get bored.

Dubai to San Francisco – Distance: 8,103 miles

This flight is supposed to last just under 16 hours. Don't worry if your flight gets delayed and you are stuck at the airport in Dubai. From working out in its health club and taking a dip in a swimming pool to enjoying a game of billiards, there are tons of things to do to pass the time.