The Route and the Aircraft

The Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range), an aircraft designed (partly, at least) for these marathon flights, serves Singapore Airlines’ New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) route. Thanks to ultra-efficient engines, advanced aerodynamics and a sweet carbon-fiber shell, it’s ideally suited to long-haul flying. The aircraft has just 161 seats in total on board, which helps to keep the cabin spacious and relaxed so passengers can endure the long flight time in relative comfort.

Onboard Comfort and Amenities

Singapore Airlines is doing everything it can to ensure passengers on its record-opening flight have a memorable experience. The aircraft is in a two-class configuration, with Business Class and Premium Economy Class. Both classes feature lie-flat seating, ample legroom and personalized service aimed at keeping passengers comfortable.

Business Class has fully flat beds with direct aisle access, along with high-quality bedding co-designed with Givenchy. Each seat comes with a massive high-definition touchscreen monitor, complete with a huge library of your choice of movies, TV shows, and music. Premium Economy Class is aimed at the traveller wanting slightly more legroom than encountered within Economy Class, as well as with up to 50% more recline than their Economy Class seat counterparts.

To stave off the boredom of a 19-hour flight, Singapore Airlines provides a curated menu of gourmet meals curated by world-class chefs. Travelers can order meals selected from multiple options, both Western and Asian and finished off with food selections from a span of fine wines and beverages. Some meals can be prepared in advance for special diets.

The Challenge of Endurance

Though the onboard facilities are intended to cater to passengers and the uncomfortable aspects of traveling are kept to a minimum, the length of the flight comes with its own challenges. Passengers need to figure out how to keep themselves entertained, hydrated and rested during the nearly daylong journey. And many travelers suggest dividing the flight into “phases” — sleep, eat, watch movies, get up and stretch — to help time go by more quickly.

Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to survive a long-haul flight like this. Sitting too long can cause discomfort and may even lower your health, one such problem is with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To ameliorate this, the plane includes spacious aisles and sections designed for passengers to stretch or engage in light exercise. Flight attendants also encourage passengers to do simple in-seat exercises to promote circulation.

The Psychological Aspect

While there are physical challenges, let's not forget the psychological element of a 19-hour flight. For many, being stuck in an aircraft for that amount of time can be terrifying. The flight alone seems like a small eternity, but it's also a rare chance to escape the outside world, to spend some time alone. A few passengers go through their work, read a book or just do some thinking — the flight becomes a productive or meditative period.

In general, the direct flight from New York to Singapore is, ultimately, more than a transportation; it is an experience that is both punishing and exhilarating, and both parents and children can come out with their lives. And if you are a seasoned flyer or not, this flight is a special opportunity to soar between extremes of time and comfort in the air.