New Flight Sets Record for Longest Departing United States

A new flight set a record for the longest non-stop flight departing from the United States. It runs from Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN).

The flight, operated by United Airlines daily, connects Singapore’s Changi Airport, which often receives nods for best airport in the world. The new route sets a distance record for any airline operating a flight to or from the United States, clocking in at 8,700 miles. It beat out the company’s existing record for its San Francisco (SFO) to Singapore route, the previous record holder at 8,446 miles.

The flight lasts a whopping 18 hours westbound, but with tailwinds it’s shorter on the return at 15 hours and 15 minutes.

The flight is also one of the world’s longest in duration, but is shorter than a few others around the world in distance. Qatar Airways flies a Doha (DOH) to Auckland (AKL) route, more than 9,000 miles, and Emirates flies a similarly long Dubai (DBX) to Auckland route.