Clear-air turbulence. Jet streams are, at their most basic, high-altitude air currents caused by atmospheric heating and the inertia of the earth's rotation—and they're the reason why flights from west to east are faster than the same route traversed in the opposite direction.
Why does it take longer to fly from NY to CA than it does to fly from CA to NY?
Airlines quickly realized the value of jet streams and began implementing them while planning routes. Since the jet streams flow from west to east, they make one leg of the journey much faster (when flying with the stream) and one slower (against the stream).
How long does it take to fly to California from New York on a jet?
The cross country flight from New York to Los Angeles takes approximately 5 hours of flight time in most large cabin jets, with faster planes able to make to closer to 4 hours. Most private flights arrive in New York via Teterboro Airport, the main business jet airport serving NYC.
Is it faster to fly from LA to NY?
The faster speeds are entirely the result of the jet stream. The high-altitude, west-to-east air current, is currently reaching record speeds over the US—giving west-to-east US travel a time boost.
Why does it take longer to fly from NY to LA?
As previously mentioned, the primary reason for the difference in travel times with flight direction is due to the jet stream. This is a high-altitude wind that blows from the west to the east across the planet.
Is it faster to fly from California to New York or New York to California?
Why is a flight from NY to LA longer than LA to NY?
The jet stream is the real reason your flight time varies depending on the direction of your destination. Jet streams are air currents that happen at very high altitudes, including those which planes frequently fly in.
Why does it take so much longer to fly west than east?
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.
Why does it take longer to fly to the West Coast?
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.
Do private jets fly smoother than commercial?
While private jets may experience less turbulence than commercial planes, they still need to be equipped to handle it when it does occur. Fortunately, private jets are designed to provide a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers, even in turbulent conditions.
Why does it take so long to fly from East Coast to West Coast?
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.
Why does it take longer to fly from East Coast to West Coast?
It is the rotation of the Earth that is causing the longer flight times, but not because it's moving towards or away from the flying aircraft. It is instead due to its influence on wind patterns – the so-called high-altitude jet streams.