Travel question: Can I make the world’s longest flight part of my round-the-globe trip?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

Singapore Airlines flight SQ22 from Singapore to New York is an 18-hour trip (Singapore Airlines)

Q I was interested in the coverage of Singapore Airlines flight SQ22 from Singapore to New York (aka the world’s longest non-stop flight). Two questions, which are slightly related. Why did it touch down at New Jersey’s Newark airport rather than the more celebrated gateway to Manhattan, JFK? And how easy is it to build the flight into a round-the-world trip at a reasonable price?

James P

A My answers are slightly related, too. The reason the flight from Singapore to New York lands at Newark rather than JFK is not because the distance is three miles shorter, thereby saving about 20 seconds and a few dollars’ worth of fuel; on a 9,534-mile, 18-hour trip such differences are trivial. The motive for choosing the New Jersey is that Newark is a key hub for Singapore Airlines’ Star Alliance partner, United.