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Here's What It's Like to Be a Flight Attendant on the Longest Flight in the World
For the flight attendants who work this ultra-long-haul route, the work presents unique challenges—as well as unique ways to connect with passengers.
To thrive during the extended time in the air, flight attendants have come up with interesting ways to make their work more enjoyable.
There are long-haul flights, and then there are ultra-long-haul flights, a completely different beast altogether.
Currently, the longest nonstop flight in the world clocks in at 18 hours and 45 minutes, connecting New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN). For most passengers, that's a test of endurance. For flight attendants, it's just another day at the office—albeit one that happens to be 38,000 feet in the air.
We spoke with Madeline Khaw, a leading flight attendant at Singapore Airlines who regularly flies this marathon route, to get her perspective on what it's like to work the world's longest flight and her tips for making ultra-long-haul flights more comfortable.
What It's Like to Work the Longest Flight in the World
A flight attendant talks to two passengers.
Singapore Airlines
For most people, the idea of being a flight attendant might bring to mind images of glamorous travel to far-off destinations—but Khaw says that there's much more to being a flight attendant. For example, the logistics alone on this route are staggering. Since the flight is 18 hours long, the crew operates in carefully planned shifts.
"The crew is divided into designated rest periods in the crew bunks," Khaw says. "It's critical to ensure that all crew members get adequate rest, so they're alert and able to provide consistent service and deliver the required safety standards throughout the journey."
Plus, sleeping at 38,000 feet presents its own challenges. Khaw says that designated rest areas are available to help the crew recharge, but sometimes it can be tricky to sleep on board because of turbulence or cabin noise.
The toll on crew members goes far beyond simply being tired. Readjusting to time zones that are 12 to 15 hours apart wreaks havoc on sleep patterns and overall well-being.
"Operating long-haul flights does come with its own set of challenges, with fatigue being one of the most noticeable long-term effects," Khaw says. "Over time, it may contribute to things like persistent tiredness and occasional breakouts."
This reality has forced Khaw to become proactive about self-care.
"Facial masks have become a must in my skincare routine, especially hydrating ones, to combat the effects of drier cabin air and jet lag," she says.
The long flight time also creates unique team dynamics. The crew's preparation begins long before takeoff, with rosters specifically arranged to help them prepare for and recover from these demanding flights.
"From the moment we begin our duties, there's an unspoken understanding that we'll need to rely on each other throughout the 18 hours—not just for service efficiency, but also to maintain morale and energy," Khaw explains.
Even small moments matter during such a long journey. "Sharing a laugh or moment with the crew during a lull period is a real energy booster," she says.
What Passengers Are Like at 38,000 Feet for 18 Hours
A group of friends celebrate on a flight.
Singapore Airlines
What makes this route particularly unique is how passenger interactions evolve over such a prolonged period. Unlike shorter flights where passengers maintain relatively consistent moods, the 18-hour journey reveals what Khaw describes as "a fuller spectrum of human behavior."
"We tend to see people go from being fresh and excited to tired and sometimes emotional, before reverting to a more cheerful demeanor closer to landing," she says.
However, the length of this particular route has led to some of Khaw's most memorable moments in her career. On one flight, she remembers a passenger struggling to connect to the onboard Wi-Fi while trying to send an important email.
"I made the unconventional decision to offer him my personal device, understanding that I would want someone to extend the same offer to me if I were in his situation," Khaw says. "This allowed him to finish sending the email promptly and return to enjoying his flight."
The story doesn't end there, though.
"What made the incident really touching was what happened after,' Khaw says. 'Having remembered my birthday from our brief conversation, he would send a simple birthday greeting to me every year—a small but meaningful reminder of how a small act of empathy can form a lasting human connection, even at 38,000 feet in the air."
How Flight Attendants Prepare Before Each Trip
A reclined airplane seat in Premium Economy.
Singapore Airlines
Before each 18-hour journey, Khaw has developed specific rituals to prepare for the demands ahead.
"An important activity to keep me grounded is to spend quality time with my loved ones at home," she says. "Sharing a simple, home-cooked meal with my family can help me reset emotionally before being away for several days."
Practical preparation is equally crucial.
"Making sure I am fully prepared gives me peace of mind, so I have a ritual of double-checking everything I've packed for the longer layover, such as extra sets of uniforms, skincare, and vitamins."
Khaw's approach aligns with other experienced crew members on the route. Lead flight attendant Ashley Tan, who has been part of this marathon journey since its early days, emphasizes the importance of getting adequate rest the night before, ideally around seven to eight hours of sleep. During long breaks mid-flight, Tan changes into comfortable clothes for more relaxing rest periods and strategically avoids caffeine, which can have heightened effects at altitude, including jitteriness and potential nausea.
"I still remember that flight. I was so excited that I couldn't sleep before the flight," Tan says of her early experiences on the route in a Straits Times video.
But perhaps most importantly, Khaw maintains perspective about her unique role.
"Mentally, I try to stay grounded by reminding myself of the bigger picture—that this is a privileged role and not everyone gets to do this," she says. "I'm flying to New York, one of the most exciting cities in the world, and I've trained hard to be here. That sense of pride keeps me centered."
Despite the challenges, Khaw says that the job has given her unique growth opportunities both professionally and as a person.
"Getting to operate ultra-long-haul flights has taken me to places I never imagined visiting," she says. "Beyond just traveling, this role has helped me build resilience, adaptability, and strong time management skills from working in constantly shifting time zones."
Expert Tips to Make Your Next Long-haul Flight More Comfortable
A passenger relaxes on a flight with headphones.
Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure
Based on her experiences and what she's noticed from frequent travelers, Khaw has four tips to make your next ultra-long-haul flight more comfortable:
Strategic Meal Timing
"I've learned that eating too much, too little, or at the wrong times can really throw off my body clock and affect digestion, especially when crossing multiple time zones," Khaw says. "To avoid sluggishness and bloating, I try to stick to light, non-greasy meals before a flight."
Stay Hydrated
Experienced passengers understand the importance of proper hydration during extended flights. "Frequent flyers on this route sometimes prefer drinking plenty of water throughout the flight, avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate," Khaw says.
Comfort and Preparation
Seasoned travelers often come prepared for the long journey ahead. "They will often dress comfortably to adapt to the changing cabin temperatures, making sure to bring essential items, such as noise-canceling headphones and a neck pillow, or a good moisturizer," Khaw says.
Time Zone Adjustment
Smart passengers don't wait until landing to start adjusting to their destination's schedule. "Travelers would also make a conscious effort to try and adjust to the time zone of their destinations by either sleeping or staying awake at appropriate times," she says.
After countless hours working at 38,000 feet, Khaw has learned that ultra-long-haul flights reveal something fundamental about human nature, both in passengers and crew. Whether it's a frustrated passenger who becomes a lifelong connection or a crew member finding their stride during demanding shifts, these marathon journeys often strip away pretense and show what really helps: good preparation, a bit of empathy, and the small gestures that make long distances more bearable.
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Wawa, with its origins in Philadelphia dairy farming dating back to 1902, has evolved from a milk delivery service to one of the East Coast's best-known convenience store chains with over 1,100 locations. But this gas station offers a lot more than milk to current-day shoppers. Judging by customer reviews, what sets Wawa apart is its made-to-order hoagies, or subs, depending on your regional dialect. One of the things to know about Wawa, however, is that its offerings can vary by location, though there are some items that remain consistent. Beyond the popular hoagies, Wawa's coffee has developed a cult following, with many refusing to start their day without it. The chain even offers frozen, house-made energy drinks. Its seasonal offerings, like the Gobbler sandwich, which contains turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, are the subject of wild debate, while their breakfast options are consistently praised for freshness and quality. "The Gobbler is the best ... thing on their menu right now, and I religiously get one the day they drop. Skip the potato or sweet potato ones (if they offer at your location), as they are just a plain mess," warned one online reviewer. The mac and cheese also gets particular attention, especially with its different flavor variations. In regard to the Garlic Aioli Mac and Cheese, one person on TikTok praised it, saying, "This is the best flavor combination I've quite literally ever had." Unlike many of its competitors, which were gas stations that grew to offer food, Hy-Vee actually originally started as an Iowa market in 1930 and later expanded to include gas stations alongside their stores. With over 240 locations across eight Midwestern states, Hy-Vee became famous for offering food choices that go far beyond the typical gas station fare. If you want healthier food, Hy-Vee may be the closest you'll come to it in the world of gas pumps and convenience stores. A few years back, Hy-Vee branched into the world of full-service restaurants, offering sushi counters, salad bars, and even bar service alongside its prepared food sections. This decision has since been reversed, with the in-store bars closing, but salad bars and Chinese food options still remain popular. Basically, if you're looking for healthier options, then Hy-Vee has an array of choices that are not typically found at fuel stops. That is, if you consider Cheetos Flamin' Hot Sushi Rolls "health food." Another Hy-Vee favorite is the Breakfast Pizza, a Midwestern specialty featuring scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats atop a pizza crust. Unfortunately, Internet rumors abound that it's going to be discontinued. With just over 85 locations, this Tennessee-based chain might be smaller than some national competitors, but Weigel's has built a fiercely loyal following since its founding as Broadacre Dairy in 1931. 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Love's has formed partnerships with national restaurant chains like Subway, Chester's Chicken, and Godfather's Pizza, offering familiar foods across the country. But what has many non-truck drivers returning are the clean bathroom stalls and the "Love's Country Stores," with freshly prepared food items, including breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and even fresh fruit cups and salads. "I. LOVE. LOVE'S. Not a trucker, but I drove from NW Ohio to Colorado & back in one weekend, and by the time we hit Missouri, it was Love's or bust. Every single one was SO clean, well stocked, [and] the restaurants were all open basically 24/7 as far as I could tell. Well lit, an excellent selection of everything if we didn't want to eat at the restaurant. I cannot say enough good things about a Love's," one reviewer gushed. Its roller grill items, particularly the Tornados, which are rolled-up tacos with fillings, are a constant hit among reviewers. If you have a sweet tooth, Love's honeybuns, cookies, and cinnamon rolls make for a perfect road trip treat. We couldn't really talk about gas station chains without mentioning the most recognized convenience store in the world: 7-Eleven. Before it made its way to serving perfect egg salad sandwiches in Japan, 7-Eleven welcomed its first customers in Texas. It now operates over 85,000 stores worldwide since it was founded in 1927. While many think of 7-Eleven primarily for Slurpees and Big Gulps, the chain has significantly upgraded its food offerings in recent years. 7-Eleven's private label, the 7-Select brand, now includes premium sandwiches, salads, and fruit cups. The hot food selection varies by location but typically includes hot dogs, pizza, chicken wings, and taquitos. And people actually love them. "7/11's hot dog game is really great. All beef, great price. No better fast food dog [in my opinion]," wrote one reviewer. And when people love something, they also love making it better. In fact, there are probably as many 7-Eleven "secret menu" tips as there are Ikea hacks. "The Cubano melt, though... my coworker and I are single-handedly keeping them in stock at our store. Pro-Tip: Add more pickles, kraut, and some BBQ sauce to it to knock it out of the park," advised one die-hard 7-Eleven fan. The merger of old-timey Allsup's, founded in 1956, with Yesway has created a powerful convenience store presence across the American Southwest and Plains states, with over 400 locations in total. While the two chains have chosen to maintain established separate identities in many markets, just like love and marriage, you can't have one without the other. If there's one thing people know about when it comes to Allsup's, it's the burritos. "It's a taste of green chile and home," wrote one reviewer, who also warned of their diuretic powers. "I was born in [West Texas] and will never regret a fried burrito with taco sauce," wrote another. TikTok is rife with reviews of the "Chimi" Chimichanga Burrito, considered one of the best among the gas station's four varieties. The World Famous Beef and Bean Burrito is another favorite. Love them or hate them, Allsup's burritos inspire passionate devotion among fans who will drive miles out of their way for their stuffed, rolled tortillas. Read the original article on Chowhound.