Due to the rotation of the Earth which generates the Coriolis Effect. Globally, the wind mainly blows from West to East, and this effect is even more pronounced at altitude in the Jet Stream, speeding journeys towards the East. So, in general but not always, aircraft can travel more rapidly from West to East.
Why do planes arrive earlier at destination?
When airlines plan their schedules, they make sure to take all of these things into account. Frequently, they'll pad their schedules with extra time: whether fleetwide, on specific routes, at certain times of year, or to make sure that their slower planes can operate the flight as a backup.
Why are flights quicker on the way back?
Why are flights slower in one direction?
Everything on earth, not just the ground, but also the water (and even the atmosphere), is rotating in the same direction, Forbes reported. Since planes in the sky are being pulled eastward with the earth, it takes more time to go west. Think of it kind of like walking against the wind.
How accurate are flight arrival times?
The accuracy of the arrival time varies; it's generally better at a major airport (often within a minute) than out in the boonies (can be ~15 minutes off). You can check the altitude in the tracklog to get an idea of how reasonable the arrival time is.
Why do planes fly over North Pole but not south?
Why do planes not fly over the South Pole? The weather is especially treacherous, and there are few diversion airports available in case of emergency. Furthermore, less people live in the southern hemisphere, meaning fewer flights and less demand for polar routes.