Travel: In It For The Long Haul.(Singapore Airlines introduces non-stop flights between Singapore and Los Angeles, California)(Industry Overview)

Byline: Malcolm Beith and Sonia Kolesnikov-Jesop

On Feb. 3, Singapore Airlines (SIA) will make history, flying a new 181-seat, ultralong-range Airbus for more than 16 hours between Singapore and Los Angeles--without a single stop. The return journey will max out at an astounding 18 hours and 20 minutes. As the longest direct flight of its kind, this is, analysts say, a watershed for ultralong-haul air travel. Other airlines, like Continental (which already boasts long routes like Newark-Hong Kong) and Qantas (which offers nonstop Melbourne-Los Angeles service), will be closely watching SIA's new venture to see if it pays off. And SIA doesn't plan to stop there; barring any unforeseen problems, the airline will launch a Singapore-New York flight this summer.

Analysts agree that because of recent improvements in fuel efficiency and space maximization, these "flying galleys" can handle such trips and that ultralong-haul travel will be economical. But just because these long routes are good for the airlines doesn't mean they're comfortable. SIA is "pushing the frontier of human endurance," says New York airline analyst Robert Mann of R.W. Mann & Co. To help frequent fliers--and airlines--survive the long haul, here's some advice:

PICK A CLASS: Many airlines are forgoing costly first-class service to make room for more seats. But that doesn't mean you have to slum it. SIA's new flights will be divided into Raffles (business) and Executive Economy. With nearly all the amenities of a traditional business class, like wide seats and extended leg rests, economy passengers will barely notice the difference, especially if they choose to socialize and snack in the world's first economy-class lounge area. As for Raffles, it's just a notch under the old first class. At the same time, Emirates Airline plans to add 12 fully enclosed first-class suites--complete with lighting to help adjust body clocks and more than 500 channels of in-flight entertainment--on long-haul flights from Dubai to Sydney. So before you invest more than $1,000 in a Singapore-Los Angeles ticket, ...