Why are flights west to east shorter?

The Eastbound Advantage: Why Flights Eastward Feel Faster

Have you ever noticed that flights heading east seem to magically shave off time compared to the return journey? It’s not an illusion, nor is it a conspiracy by the airlines to make you book more eastbound trips. The reason behind this temporal discrepancy lies high above us, in the powerful and consistent currents of air known as the jet streams.

Imagine trying to swim across a river. If you swim with the current, you’ll be propelled downstream, covering ground much faster than if you were swimming against the current. Jet streams work in a similar way for airplanes. These high-altitude, fast-flowing rivers of air generally move from west to east, circling the globe at speeds that can sometimes exceed 200 miles per hour.

When an airplane is flying eastbound, it essentially gets a “boost” from the jet stream. This tailwind acts like a giant hand pushing the plane along. The plane’s engines still need to provide thrust, of course, but the jet stream significantly reduces the air resistance the plane experiences. Think of it as the wind working with the plane instead of against it. This assistance translates directly into faster ground speeds, allowing the plane to reach its destination in a shorter amount of time.

On the other hand, a westbound flight faces a headwind – the jet stream pushing against the aircraft. This increases air resistance, forcing the plane to work harder to maintain its speed. Consequently, the plane travels slower relative to the ground, extending the duration of the flight.

The difference in flight time can be quite significant. Depending on the strength and position of the jet stream, an eastbound flight can be shorter by anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more compared to its westbound counterpart.

While jet streams are the primary culprit, other factors can also contribute to slight variations in flight times. These include variations in the Earth’s rotation, slight changes in air routes due to weather conditions, and even minute differences in the aircraft’s weight distribution. However, the jet stream remains the dominant factor explaining the eastward flight advantage.

So, the next time you’re booking a flight and notice the discrepancy in flight times between eastbound and westbound routes, remember the jet streams and the powerful tailwind that’s working hard to get you there faster. It’s a fascinating example of how natural forces can have a direct and noticeable impact on our everyday lives, even when we’re soaring through the sky.