The world's longest passenger flights

Money talks
As a result, they can raise the price of your seat. An economy seat on Continental's nearly 16-hour Newark-Hong Kong trip can cost $1,500 depending on the day; a business- or first-class seat will set you back $10,000.

The difference between nonstop, long-haul flights and those with a layover fluctuates depending on the season. A nonstop, round-trip flight in May from LAX to Singapore with Singapore Airlines costs $750 more than one with a layover in Tokyo Narita International Airport. Currently, the difference is a mere $30 — $2,206 compared to $2,236 nonstop — or a two-hour reduction in travel time.

"[Nonstop long-haul flights] are for a very select group of people," says Toby Tupper, creative and marketing director of Airtreks, a company that provides customized itineraries and technology to travelers and travel agents. The cost, though, can pay off in terms of comfort.

"The seats are bigger, there's more space, more amenities, more of everything, including better food," Tupper says. Services often include complimentary toiletries, USB ports, full-flat beds and chef-inspired cuisine.

Flying further afield
Though the Singapore-Newark flight is the longest, other routes are nipping at its heels. In December, travelers will be able to take the 17-hour trip from Dubai to Houston on Emirates Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic has announced it's ordering 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to expand its nonstop, long-haul offerings with trips from London to Perth, Australia or Hawaii, both clocking in at around 16 hours.

So you're ready to book a ticket? A little preparation will go a long way toward helping you endure.

Long-haul tips
There are no cure-alls for surviving long-haul flights, but intelligent food and drink selections are vital, especially in humidity-free cabins. Salty foods and caffeinated or alcoholic beverages will sap your body of water, so nix them. Small meals and snacks are easier on the body, as is comfortable, loose clothing.

Ciao, Sonoma Fine dining, delicious wines make region a popular draw

Many long-haul aircraft, like Singapore Airline's Airbuses, have expanded entertainment offerings, such as an 80-film video library on its seat-back televisions and an economy-class cabin area to socialize and stretch. Taking advantage of these amenities may take your mind off of the flight ahead, if only temporarily, and get your muscles moving, which could prevent deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that can be caused by prolonged sitting.

And if you're able to, catch up on sleep — experts say one of the best methods for getting to your destination calmly is to try to forget you're even on the journey.

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