Sounds like the CNN experts talking out their corkhole.
While the domestic law in the USA is to have enough fuel to reach your destination (at a minimum) plus a reserve of X-minutes (depending on VFR or IFR), major operators often fuel the plane up for multiple back-to-back legs without refueling.
The Boeing 777 was designed for maximum endurance and fuel efficiency. Their sales pitch was "New York to Tokyo for less" to all the airlines.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_777#Specifications
With the models having a median range of 8,892 standard U.S. miles (7,725 nautical miles), with a typical cruising speed of 560 mph (490 knots), that gives them an endurance of
15.87 hours, not counting reserves.
The range will reach 1/3 of the way around the planet. Even with everyone armchairing flight paths, radar pings, and drug addict socialites saying they found it on Google earth, the reality is until it is found it can be 1/3 of anywhere.