Why Do Planes Fly North to Go West?
Planes fly north to go west in order to take advantage of the jet stream, a powerful high-altitude wind that can greatly reduce flight time and fuel consumption. The jet stream typically flows from west to east at altitudes of 30,000 to 40,000 feet, so by flying north to enter the jet stream and then taking advantage of the tailwind, planes can save time and fuel when traveling westward.
How do jet streams affect flight paths?
Jet streams are fast flowing, narrow air currents found in the troposphere of the Earth’s atmosphere. They form at the boundaries of adjacent air masses with significant temperature differences. When planes fly within these jet streams, they can experience significant changes in airspeed, affecting the time it takes to reach their destination.
How much time and fuel can be saved by flying in jet streams?
Flying in jet streams can save an airline considerable time, which translates to fuel savings and cost reductions. Aircraft can experience time savings of over an hour on transatlantic flights when flying in jet streams. As for fuel savings, airlines can save thousands of gallons of fuel each year by taking advantage of these high-altitude winds.
Are there certain times of the year when jet streams are stronger?
Yes, there are certain times of the year when jet streams are stronger and can have a greater impact on flight paths. During the winter months, jet streams tend to be stronger and located at lower latitudes. This can cause increased turbulence and a stronger impact on flight paths, making it even more important for airlines to optimize their routes.
