No country sends its citizens on longer average flights than Australia. Sydney to London is 22 hours non-stop (or 13–15 hours via Singapore or Dubai). Sydney to New York is 20+ hours. These are not standard flights — they're endurance events that require preparation. This guide covers what Australians who do these routes regularly actually do differently.
Before You Fly — The Decisions That Matter Most
Seat Selection
Seat choice on a 20+ hour flight is one of the highest-impact decisions you'll make. Here's the hierarchy:
- Business class flat bed — if you can justify the cost or use points (see our travel credit cards guide for earning Qantas or Membership Rewards points), a lie-flat bed on a 22-hour flight is genuinely transformative. Arrive rested and functional.
- Exit row or bulkhead economy — significantly more legroom, no seat in front reclined into you. Worth paying the seat selection fee.
- Window seat — for sleeping: control the window light, lean against the wall, avoid being disturbed for bathroom trips by neighbours. Middle seats are the worst for long hauls.
- Avoid the last rows — near toilets, near galley noise, seats that don't recline fully.
Use SeatGuru (seatguru.com) to check the specific plane configuration for your flight before selecting.
Stopover vs Non-Stop
Australian routes to Europe almost always involve a stopover — Singapore (via Singapore Airlines or Qantas via Singapore), Dubai (via Emirates), Doha (via Qatar Airways), or Abu Dhabi (via Etihad). The non-stop Qantas Project Sunrise routes (Sydney–London, Sydney–New York) are a different calculation.
For most travellers, a Singapore stopover is the recommended option — particularly if you have 24+ hours (see our Singapore stopover guide). Breaking the journey in Singapore means arriving in Europe more rested than a single 22-hour flight, even with the extra travel time.
What to Pack for a Long Haul Flight
- Noise-cancelling headphones — non-negotiable for 20+ hour flights. The engine noise alone causes fatigue. Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort are the standards.
- Neck pillow — a good memory foam travel pillow makes sleeping in economy significantly more achievable. The inflatable ones are fine for luggage space but less comfortable.
- Eye mask — block cabin lighting during sleep periods. The airline-provided ones are flimsy.
- Compression socks — 20+ hours of sitting creates genuine DVT risk. Compression socks reduce this materially and reduce swelling. Pharmacies stock travel compression socks from AUD $15–30.
- Lip balm and moisturiser — aircraft cabins have extremely low humidity. Your skin and lips will dry out significantly over 20 hours.
- Reusable water bottle — hydration is critical on long hauls. Ask flight attendants to refill regularly.
- Melatonin — widely used by experienced long-haul travellers for managing sleep timing. Available over the counter in Australia. Discuss with your GP if you have any health conditions.
Sleep Strategy — The Key to Arriving Functional
The goal is to align your sleep on the plane with your destination's nighttime. For a Sydney–London flight departing Sydney in the early afternoon:
- Stay awake for the first meal (approximately 2–3 hours into the flight)
- Sleep through the Singapore leg if stopping over, or sleep from approximately hour 4–13 on a direct flight
- Wake approximately 8–10 hours before London arrival
- Avoid sleeping in the final 4–5 hours before landing — arrive tired enough to sleep at a normal London bedtime
Adjust for your specific route and departure time. The principle: start adapting to destination time on the plane, not after arrival.
Jet Lag Management for Australians
Eastbound travel (Australia to UK/Europe) is harder for jet lag than westbound. The time difference between Sydney and London is 9–10 hours (BST). Key strategies:
- Adjust sleep before departure — shift your bedtime 1–2 hours earlier for 3–4 nights before a Europe departure
- Get outdoor light immediately on arrival — morning sunlight at the destination is the strongest circadian reset signal. Walk outside, even if exhausted.
- Don't nap on arrival day — a short nap (under 20 minutes) is acceptable but avoid sleeping before 9–10pm local time
- Melatonin at destination bedtime — 0.5–1mg melatonin at local bedtime for the first 2–3 nights helps reset your sleep cycle faster
What to Do During the Flight
- Move regularly — stand and walk the aisle every 2–3 hours. Do ankle rotations and calf raises in your seat. DVT is a genuine risk on ultra-long hauls.
- Drink water constantly — aim for 250ml per hour. Avoid alcohol (dehydrating and disrupts sleep quality despite initial sedation).
- Eat lightly — heavy meals make jet lag worse. Skip the dessert service if you're trying to sleep.
- Limit screen time before sleep — use the flight's blue-light filter if available. Switch to audio (podcasts, audiobooks) for the hour before sleep.
Recommended Airlines for Australians — Long Haul
| Route | Top Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney to London | Singapore Airlines via SIN | Best economy product, excellent Changi stopover option |
| Melbourne to London | Emirates via DXB | Strong economy, good entertainment, ICE system |
| Sydney to Europe | Qatar Airways via DOH | Consistently rated best economy, strong food quality |
| Sydney to New York | Qantas non-stop or via LA | Non-stop now available; via LA good for US west coast |
| Melbourne to Tokyo | JAL or ANA direct | Excellent Japanese hospitality, direct flight |
eSIM for Long Haul Layovers
If your long haul flight includes a layover — particularly in Singapore, Dubai, or Doha — a destination eSIM means you have data immediately when you clear immigration for a stopover. See our eSIM guide for Australians for exact plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Australians survive a 20+ hour flight?
The key variables are: exit row or window seat selection, noise-cancelling headphones, sleep aligned with destination timezone, hydration (water not alcohol), compression socks, and moving regularly. Business class flat beds are transformative for those who can access them via points.
Is it better to stop over or fly direct to Europe from Australia?
For most travellers, a Singapore stopover of 24+ hours is better than a direct 22-hour flight — you arrive more rested, and Singapore is one of the world's great cities. Direct flights (Qantas Project Sunrise) make sense for business travellers who prioritise time over experience.
What are the best seats on a long haul flight for Australians?
Window seats in exit rows or bulkhead rows are the best economy seats for long hauls. Use SeatGuru.com to check the specific aircraft for your flight. Avoid middle seats and the rear rows near lavatories and galley areas.