I flew on the world's longest flight in business class and thought the 18-hour trip from Singapore to New York was nearly flawless

Taylor RainsJan 19, 2023, 17:01 IST

Taylor Rains/Insider

Singapore Airlines operates the world's longest flight by distance, which journeys between Singapore and New York.
The carrier uses an Airbus A350-900ULR, or ultra-long-range, jet for the over 9,500-mile route.

Singapore Airlines operates the world's longest flight by distance, journeying over 17 hours from the South Pacific island nation to New York-JFK, and a whopping 19 hours on the way back.

Singapore Airlines A350-900.KITTIKUN YOKSAP/Shutterstock

Singapore Airlines operates the world's longest flight by distance, journeying over 17 hours from the South Pacific island nation to New York-JFK, and a whopping 19 hours on the way back.

The trek stretches 9,527 miles — just two miles longer than the world's second-longest flight, which is also operated by Singapore and flies to the neighboring Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

BoeingMan777/Shutterstock

The trek stretches 9,527 miles — just two miles longer than the world's second-longest flight, which is also operated by Singapore and flies to the neighboring Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

After having flown on the world's fourth longest flight on Air New Zealand in September at about 8,800 miles, I decided it was time to tackle Singapore's record-breaking leg.

Air New Zealand's business class product on its Boeing 787.Taylor Rains/Insid

After having flown on the world's fourth longest flight on Air New Zealand in September at about 8,800 miles, I decided it was time to tackle Singapore's record-breaking leg.

I flew in business class on the airline's Airbus A350-900ULR widebody jet, which is the ultra-long-range variant — here's what it was like.

Taylor Rains/Insider

My journey started at Singapore's Changi International Airport at around 9:30 a.m. for my 12:35 p.m. departure.

The bridge to the Jewel at Changi International Airport.Taylor Rains/Insider

I flew out of Terminal 3, which was ginormous with plenty of check-in desks and a Starbucks.

The check in area for Singapore Airlines at Changi airport.Taylor Rains/Insider

While I was automatically checked into my flight on Singapore Airlines' app, I still had to retrieve my boarding pass from the ticket counter.

The business class check in area for Singapore at Changi airport.Taylor Rains/Insider

Fortunately, since I was flying business class I had access to a dedicated queue and was on my way in no time.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Unlike most international airports, Changi does not have security until passengers are at the gate. Instead, I cleared passport control and entered the transit area.

There is a sign before entering passport control that tells people it's an offense to enter the transit area if you don't plan to actually travel.Taylor Rains/Insider

Singapore's famous transit area is what makes it one of the world's best airports. Here, travelers can explore high-end stores like Louis Vuitton...

Louis Vuitton is the grand entrance to the transit area from Terminal 3 departures.Taylor Rains/Insider

…take a dip in the swimming pool at Terminal 1's Aerotel…

Me sitting by the pool at Aerotel before my flight.Taylor Rains/Insider

…or see a film at Terminal's 3 free movie theater. The shows play 24/7 and rotate depending on the season.

The free movie theater was showing En canto during my visit.Taylor Rains/Insider

After exploring Changi, which feels more like a mall than an airport, I headed to the airline's new SilverKris business class lounge for a bite to eat.

The lounges are Singapore's recent $50 billion investment into its airport experience. There is a separate lounge for first class, which includes a sleeping room.Taylor Rains/Insider

The space was huge and comfortable, but I didn’t have too much time to spend before needing to head to Gate B9.

I enjoyed some Laksa at the lounge.Taylor Rains/Insider

This is where I had to clear security, and an officer instructed me to remove my laptop from my bag and take off my shoes. The process was quick, though there was no dedicated line for business class.

The start to the security line at gate b9 before my flight.Taylor Rains/Insider

This is where I had to clear security, and an officer instructed me to remove my laptop from my bag and take off my shoes. The process was quick, though there was no dedicated line for business class.

I liked having security just before the gate because the crowds were limited to just that flight — no battling hundreds of other travelers at TSA in the US.

Travelers make their way through a TSA screening line at Orlando International Airport ahead of Fourth of July weekend on July 1.SOPA Images/Getty Images

After security, I was guided into a special room where I waited about 30 minutes before boarding the jet. Business class passengers were the first group to board.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I quickly made my way to my window seat on the A350 aircraft — 21A — which would be my personal living room for nearly 18 hours on the world's longest flight.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I quickly made my way to my window seat on the A350 aircraft — 21A — which would be my personal living room for nearly 18 hours on the world's longest flight.

I was immediately impressed by the size and comfort of the giant lounger, which offers 68 inches of pitch and 28 inches of width.

The bulkhead seats have even more legroom.Taylor Rains/Insider

I easily had enough legroom, and I could even cross my legs on the chair comfortably.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I also liked that there was more than enough overhead bin space for both my suitcase and small duffle bag.

Taylor Rains/Insider

After I got settled, I started touring the seat. There are 42 recliners in business, where passengers can enjoy myriad amenities, like a giant 18-inch seatback TV…

Taylor Rains/Insider

After I got settled, I started touring the seat. There are 42 recliners in business, where passengers can enjoy myriad amenities, like a giant 18-inch seatback TV…

…plush linens...

We were given three pillows and a plush blanket.Taylor Rains/Insider

…USB ports and a universal power outlet…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…several lighting options over the bed, like for reading or eating…

There were three different lighting options to the right of my head, as well as a bigger light to the left next to the power ports.Taylor Rains/Insider

…a handheld remote to control the inflight entertainment…

The remote could be pulled out of the storage slot for easier use.Taylor Rains/Insider

…an adjustable tray table, which can be moved backward, forward, up, and down…

Taylor Rains/Insider

...a mirror and coat hook...

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and ample storage. There were several cubbies, including one beside the TV…

This is where I stored medicine and my electronic cords.Taylor Rains/Insider

…one in the back left corner of the seat…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…one on the floor under the bed…

The cubby below the bed could easily fit my laptop.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and one in the left armrest. I found I had plenty of space to store my pillow, medicine bag, and electronics.

The cubby already had noise-cancelling headphones and a water bottle in it.Taylor Rains/Insider

The seats are in a 1x2x1 configuration and have wings to provide plenty of privacy, especially for the window seats.

One of the seats in the row behind me.Taylor Rains/Insider

Though, the middle rows have a divider between the two to separate solo travelers.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The product is different from Singapore's Airbus A380 business class, which has the option to combine the two middle seats into a double bed. The A350's are only singles.

Singapore Airlines

The product is different from Singapore's Airbus A380 business class, which has the option to combine the two middle seats into a double bed. The A350's are only singles.

The A350 also came with luxury amenities, like socks, lotion, slippers, and a soft eye mask. These items made it easy to get comfortable on the ultra-long-haul journey.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Before takeoff, the flight attendants — who were all very attentive — brought me a mimosa and took my lunch order.

My mimosa on a shelf.Taylor Rains/Insider

The great service continued shortly after takeoff when passengers were served a bowl of nuts and another beverage — I chose wine, which was delicious.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The three-course lunch service started about 10 minutes later. Singapore has a diverse menu, including black beach chicken, seafood arrabbiata, and braised beef short rib.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The three-course lunch service started about 10 minutes later. Singapore has a diverse menu, including black beach chicken, seafood arrabbiata, and braised beef short rib.

But every meal starts with an appetizer of marinated smoked salmon, served with bread and butter

Taylor Rains/Insider

Then, the main course is served. I chose the beef dish, which came with sauteed spinach, roasted mushrooms, and potatoes.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was impressed with the texture and flavors of both dishes. Singapore's food and beverage director Antony McNeil told Insider the meals are designed to keep passengers fuller for longer.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I was impressed with the texture and flavors of both dishes. Singapore's food and beverage director Antony McNeil told Insider the meals are designed to keep passengers fuller for longer.

Passengers were also offered more drinks, like beer and soda, as well as several dessert options. I chose the fruit and the cheesecake, which exceeded expectations, especially since dragon fruit was included — my favorite.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Passengers were also offered more drinks, like beer and soda, as well as several dessert options. I chose the fruit and the cheesecake, which exceeded expectations, especially since dragon fruit was included — my favorite.

Honestly, the food was the best inflight meal I've ever had — and that's after flying several other business class products.

The meal on Air New Zealand's business class was very good as well, but I thought Singapore's shined.Taylor Rains/Insider

During lunch, I watched Jumanji: The Next Level, which is one of the hundreds of entertainment options that passengers can choose from.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Shortly after, my tray table was cleared and I spent a few hours working before trying to sleep. Fortunately, business passengers can access free WiFi, which worked great throughout the flight.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Shortly after, my tray table was cleared and I spent a few hours working before trying to sleep. Fortunately, business passengers can access free WiFi, which worked great throughout the flight.

I napped for four hours thanks to Singapore's amazing lie-flat seat, which converts into a huge bed where I could lie down, sit up with my legs out, or sit crisscross.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, the tray table could be raised up, so I was able to sit upright on the bed and simultaneously work without having to adjust the seat back into its lounger position.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, the tray table could be raised up, so I was able to sit upright on the bed and simultaneously work without having to adjust the seat back into its lounger position.

For sleeping, I could stretch my legs into the corner nook. But, because I like to kick one knee out and lay on my stomach when I sleep, I loved the large space where I could actually spread out.

Me with my legs stretched out into the nook.Taylor Rains/Insider

For sleeping, I could stretch my legs into the corner nook. But, because I like to kick one knee out and lay on my stomach when I sleep, I loved the large space where I could actually spread out.

I've flown on other business class products where I had no flexibility for sleeping — it was either lay straight on your back or side. I can sleep that way, but not as comfortably.

There was a seatbelt in case of turbulence.Taylor Rains/Insider

I've flown on other business class products where I had no flexibility for sleeping — it was either lay straight on your back or side. I can sleep that way, but not as comfortably.

My only issue with the lounger was that I couldn't lay it flat with just the touch of a button. I — or a flight attendant — had to flip it down to create the bed, similar to putting the seat down in a car.

The control panel on the A350 business class seat, which could create a cradle position, but not fully lie flat.Taylor Rains/Insider

My only issue with the lounger was that I couldn't lay it flat with just the touch of a button. I — or a flight attendant — had to flip it down to create the bed, similar to putting the seat down in a car.

The handle is behind the seat, which is also where the linens are stored.

Taylor Rains/Insider

This is a very small detail, but at least it isn't like Air New Zealand's Boeing 787 business class that requires a flight attendant to lie it flat for travelers.

The Air New Zealand business class bed after being set up by the flight attendant.Taylor Rains/Insider

After I woke up, I worked for a few more hours until the next meal service, which was served about seven hours from landing.

Taylor Rains/Insider

To my surprise, this was another multi-course meal, including chicken satay and prawn salad as appetizers…

The chicken satay appetizer.Taylor Rains/Insider

…an option of halibut, fried chicken, ginger beef, or seafood with noodles for the main course...

The midflight menu.Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a choice of a chocolate brownie, fruit, a cheese platter, or a "floating island" for dessert.

The fruit and "floating island" desserts.Taylor Rains/Insider

I chose the halibut dish, which came with spinach and mashed potatoes. Everything was delicious, though I thought the potatoes had a tangy taste, likely from the juices of the trout.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I chose the halibut dish, which came with spinach and mashed potatoes. Everything was delicious, though I thought the potatoes had a tangy taste, likely from the juices of the trout.

I wasn't a fan of the combination of flavors, but this was the only food on the flight that I didn't like. The spinach and trout were great and I would highly recommend them.

We were also served bread and butter during the midflight meal.Taylor Rains/Insider

I wasn't a fan of the combination of flavors, but this was the only food on the flight that I didn't like. The spinach and trout were great and I would highly recommend them.

I will say the standout of the entire meal was the "floating island" dessert, which is an egg white dome with almonds and vanilla custard and was hands down the best dessert I've ever eaten on a plane.

Taylor Rains/Inside

I will say the standout of the entire meal was the "floating island" dessert, which is an egg white dome with almonds and vanilla custard and was hands down the best dessert I've ever eaten on a plane.

After being up for five hours, I took another six-hour nap before waking up about 45 minutes before arrival.

Taylor Rains/Insider

I noticed throughout the flight that the lighting changes and the different hues helped me relax.

The blue and purple hues shortly before landing in JFK.Taylor Rains/Insider

Before landing, I headed to the lavatory, which was nice and clean, and even had toiletries, like a razor and eye cream.

The small shelves with toiletries in the lavatory.Taylor Rains/Insider

The flight attendants brought me tea, water, and more fruit as a final snack, though this was on request and not scheduled service.

Passengers could ask for different snacks when hungry during the flight, like tea, water, a granola bar, and a KitKat.Taylor Rains/Insider

We touched down right on time. Because I was sitting towards the front of the plane, I was off the jet and through customs in no time.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, Singapore's business class was the best airplane experience I've ever had. The world's longest flight went by quickly thanks to the huge, comfortable bed and plethora of entertainment.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, Singapore's business class was the best airplane experience I've ever had. The world's longest flight went by quickly thanks to the huge, comfortable bed and plethora of entertainment.

While Insider paid a media rate, the roundtrip price of business class from Singapore to New York ranges from $8,000-$13,000 for February. For those that can afford it, I can imagine the hefty price tag is worth every penny.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While Insider paid a media rate, the roundtrip price of business class from Singapore to New York ranges from $8,000-$13,000 for February. For those that can afford it, I can imagine the hefty price tag is worth every penny.

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I flew on the world's longest flight in business class and thought the 18-hour trip from Singapore to New York was nearly flawless

Singapore Airlines operates the world's longest flight by distance, journeying over 17 hours from the South Pacific island nation to New York-JFK, and a whopping 19 hours on the way back.

The trek stretches 9,527 miles — just two miles longer than the world's second-longest flight, which is also operated by Singapore and flies to the neighboring Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

After having flown on the world's fourth longest flight on Air New Zealand in September at about 8,800 miles, I decided it was time to tackle Singapore's record-breaking leg.

I flew in business class on the airline's Airbus A350-900ULR widebody jet, which is the ultra-long-range variant — here's what it was like.

My journey started at Singapore's Changi International Airport at around 9:30 a.m. for my 12:35 p.m. departure.

I flew out of Terminal 3, which was ginormous with plenty of check-in desks and a Starbucks.

While I was automatically checked into my flight on Singapore Airlines' app, I still had to retrieve my boarding pass from the ticket counter.

Fortunately, since I was flying business class I had access to a dedicated queue and was on my way in no time.

Unlike most international airports, Changi does not have security until passengers are at the gate. Instead, I cleared passport control and entered the transit area.

Singapore's famous transit area is what makes it one of the world's best airports. Here, travelers can explore high-end stores like Louis Vuitton...

…take a dip in the swimming pool at Terminal 1's Aerotel…

…or see a film at Terminal's 3 free movie theater. The shows play 24/7 and rotate depending on the season.

After exploring Changi, which feels more like a mall than an airport, I headed to the airline's new SilverKris business class lounge for a bite to eat.

The space was huge and comfortable, but I didn’t have too much time to spend before needing to head to Gate B9.

This is where I had to clear security, and an officer instructed me to remove my laptop from my bag and take off my shoes. The process was quick, though there was no dedicated line for business class.

I liked having security just before the gate because the crowds were limited to just that flight — no battling hundreds of other travelers at TSA in the US.

After security, I was guided into a special room where I waited about 30 minutes before boarding the jet. Business class passengers were the first group to board.

I quickly made my way to my window seat on the A350 aircraft — 21A — which would be my personal living room for nearly 18 hours on the world's longest flight.

I was immediately impressed by the size and comfort of the giant lounger, which offers 68 inches of pitch and 28 inches of width.

I easily had enough legroom, and I could even cross my legs on the chair comfortably.

I also liked that there was more than enough overhead bin space for both my suitcase and small duffle bag.

After I got settled, I started touring the seat. There are 42 recliners in business, where passengers can enjoy myriad amenities, like a giant 18-inch seatback TV…

…plush linens...

…USB ports and a universal power outlet…

…several lighting options over the bed, like for reading or eating…

…a handheld remote to control the inflight entertainment…

…an adjustable tray table, which can be moved backward, forward, up, and down…

...a mirror and coat hook...

…and ample storage. There were several cubbies, including one beside the TV…

…one in the back left corner of the seat…

…one on the floor under the bed…

…and one in the left armrest. I found I had plenty of space to store my pillow, medicine bag, and electronics.

The seats are in a 1x2x1 configuration and have wings to provide plenty of privacy, especially for the window seats.

Though, the middle rows have a divider between the two to separate solo travelers.

The product is different from Singapore's Airbus A380 business class, which has the option to combine the two middle seats into a double bed. The A350's are only singles.

The A350 also came with luxury amenities, like socks, lotion, slippers, and a soft eye mask. These items made it easy to get comfortable on the ultra-long-haul journey.

Before takeoff, the flight attendants — who were all very attentive — brought me a mimosa and took my lunch order.

The great service continued shortly after takeoff when passengers were served a bowl of nuts and another beverage — I chose wine, which was delicious.

The three-course lunch service started about 10 minutes later. Singapore has a diverse menu, including black beach chicken, seafood arrabbiata, and braised beef short rib.

But every meal starts with an appetizer of marinated smoked salmon, served with bread and butter

Then, the main course is served. I chose the beef dish, which came with sauteed spinach, roasted mushrooms, and potatoes.

I was impressed with the texture and flavors of both dishes. Singapore's food and beverage director Antony McNeil told Insider the meals are designed to keep passengers fuller for longer.

Passengers were also offered more drinks, like beer and soda, as well as several dessert options. I chose the fruit and the cheesecake, which exceeded expectations, especially since dragon fruit was included — my favorite.

Honestly, the food was the best inflight meal I've ever had — and that's after flying several other business class products.

During lunch, I watched Jumanji: The Next Level, which is one of the hundreds of entertainment options that passengers can choose from.

Shortly after, my tray table was cleared and I spent a few hours working before trying to sleep. Fortunately, business passengers can access free WiFi, which worked great throughout the flight.

I napped for four hours thanks to Singapore's amazing lie-flat seat, which converts into a huge bed where I could lie down, sit up with my legs out, or sit crisscross.

Moreover, the tray table could be raised up, so I was able to sit upright on the bed and simultaneously work without having to adjust the seat back into its lounger position.

For sleeping, I could stretch my legs into the corner nook. But, because I like to kick one knee out and lay on my stomach when I sleep, I loved the large space where I could actually spread out.

I've flown on other business class products where I had no flexibility for sleeping — it was either lay straight on your back or side. I can sleep that way, but not as comfortably.

My only issue with the lounger was that I couldn't lay it flat with just the touch of a button. I — or a flight attendant — had to flip it down to create the bed, similar to putting the seat down in a car.

The handle is behind the seat, which is also where the linens are stored.

This is a very small detail, but at least it isn't like Air New Zealand's Boeing 787 business class that requires a flight attendant to lie it flat for travelers.

After I woke up, I worked for a few more hours until the next meal service, which was served about seven hours from landing.

To my surprise, this was another multi-course meal, including chicken satay and prawn salad as appetizers…

…an option of halibut, fried chicken, ginger beef, or seafood with noodles for the main course...

…and a choice of a chocolate brownie, fruit, a cheese platter, or a "floating island" for dessert.

I chose the halibut dish, which came with spinach and mashed potatoes. Everything was delicious, though I thought the potatoes had a tangy taste, likely from the juices of the trout.

I wasn't a fan of the combination of flavors, but this was the only food on the flight that I didn't like. The spinach and trout were great and I would highly recommend them.

I will say the standout of the entire meal was the "floating island" dessert, which is an egg white dome with almonds and vanilla custard and was hands down the best dessert I've ever eaten on a plane.

After being up for five hours, I took another six-hour nap before waking up about 45 minutes before arrival.

I noticed throughout the flight that the lighting changes and the different hues helped me relax.

Before landing, I headed to the lavatory, which was nice and clean, and even had toiletries, like a razor and eye cream.

The flight attendants brought me tea, water, and more fruit as a final snack, though this was on request and not scheduled service.

We touched down right on time. Because I was sitting towards the front of the plane, I was off the jet and through customs in no time.

Overall, Singapore's business class was the best airplane experience I've ever had. The world's longest flight went by quickly thanks to the huge, comfortable bed and plethora of entertainment.

While Insider paid a media rate, the roundtrip price of business class from Singapore to New York ranges from $8,000-$13,000 for February. For those that can afford it, I can imagine the hefty price tag is worth every penny.