Travel Gurus Uncover Fastest Global Route via Major Airlines
A Unique Challenge: The Longest Flight Race Yet
Travel enthusiasts and points experts, Nicky Kelvin and Liam Spencer from The Points Guy, embarked on an extraordinary journey to determine the fastest route from London to Fiji. This race was not just a test of speed but also a challenge of endurance, strategy, and the ability to navigate complex flight connections.
The pair decided to take opposite routes—Nicky heading eastbound via Cathay Pacific, while Liam traveled westbound on American Airlines. Both flights concluded with Fiji Airways, making this one of the most ambitious races ever attempted by The Points Guy team.
The Journey Begins
The race started at Piccadilly Circus in central London, where both travelers set off under clear skies. Their journeys were estimated to take up to 30 hours, requiring careful planning and efficient use of time.
Nicky took the London Tube and the Elizabeth Line to reach Heathrow Airport. His first leg was aboard Cathay Pacific's business-class A350 Aria Suite, offering a luxurious start to his journey. He then connected at Hong Kong International Airport, where he had enough time for a quick shower before boarding a Fiji Airways' A330 flight.
Meanwhile, Liam opted for the premium nonstop Heathrow Express train service to board an American Airlines 777-300ER flight. He also traveled in business class, heading for America’s west coast. After clearing Los Angeles International Airport quickly, he took the final leg of his journey on a Fiji Airways' A350 flight.
The Final Stretch
After more than 24 hours at 30,000 feet, both travelers arrived at Nadi International Airport. The race was extremely close, with just 30 minutes separating them. At one point, they were almost neck-and-neck, with Nicky literally running to the finish line.
Liam emerged as the winner with his westbound journey, showcasing the efficiency of his route. The pair shared their experiences on social media, posting a video on YouTube via The Points Guy channel. In the video, Nicky announced, “It's race day, and this one is bigger and longer than we have ever done before.”
They provided insights into their journeys, highlighting the luxury experiences that helped them along the way. The video quickly gained over 28,000 views, with fans expressing their admiration in the comments section.
One viewer wrote, “Good video. Well done,” while another added, “Love you guys. This was such a fun video and still gave great information.” A third commented, “The race is on! Always such fun and so compelling. This video had the excitement and informative style we love when Nicky and Liam compete.”
Why This Race Was Different
This seemingly simple London adventure turned out to be more daunting than the real-life jaw-dropping Race Across the World. The mix of transport options and tight budgets created nail-biting drama for the participants. Last year’s dramatic Celebrity Race Across the World finale saw contestants racing through Patagonia’s stunning landscapes, adding to the excitement of such challenges.
Nicky Kelvin also gained attention for scoring a first-class global adventure worth £21,000 for just £400 using points. Meanwhile, Qantas’ non-stop flights are set to revolutionize global connectivity, slashing travel time and redefining long-haul travel.
This race not only tested the limits of travel logistics but also highlighted the importance of strategic planning, comfort, and the thrill of competition.
