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Watch What It’s Like to Be on the World’s Longest Flight (Video)

Oct. 19, 2018
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3 min read
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Watch What It’s Like to Be on the World’s Longest Flight (Video)
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One week ago, I embarked on the longest nonstop journey of my life — for the second time. Singapore Airlines operated the world's longest flight, from Newark to Changi Airport, until it was forced to retire its flagship route, along with the gas-guzzling Airbus A340-500, in November 2013.

Since then, a handful of other airlines have fought for that record-breaking title, but even Qatar's 9,074-mile journey from Doha (DOH) to Auckland (AKL) will have to make do with runner-up — a new aircraft capable of operating the nearly 10,000-mile journey just made its debut, finally marking the return of Singapore SQ21 this month.

This time around, I got to spend 18 hours (and change) onboard SQ's first Airbus A350-900ULR. Even in business class, it felt like the journey would never come to an end. Naturally, the first thing people ask, is 'what did you do for all that time?' I could tell you, of course, but given the novelty of this ultra-long adventure, I figured it'd be more fun to mount a GoPro, and keep the camera rolling from gate to gate:

So, how did I end up occupying my time? Let's break it down...

Hour 1: Taxi, takeoff and figuring out what to eat

Hour 2: Changing into pajamas, surveying movies, Singapore Sling

Hour 3: Lunch! And an incredible 2006 Chateau Rauzan-Segla Bordeaux

Hour 4: Dessert, cheese and some chamomile tea

Hour 5: Getting ready for a long post-meal snooze

I didn't go to sleep right away, though — Singapore partnered with Canyon Ranch for some wellness enhancements for this special flight, and the company's CEO told us that it's best to give yourself a couple of hours to digest before hitting the hay. That's more or less impossible to pull off on a six-hour redeye, but with another 14+ hours left to go after our first Singapore 21 feast, delaying sleep a little bit longer felt like an entirely reasonable request.

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Don't let me spoil the video for you, though — be sure to catch the clip up above before you go. Then, for more on the world's longest flight, see:

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.