Why do return flights take less time

Bluff City Life. About Us. Meet The Team. Editorial Board. Latest Newscasts. Investigate TV. Gray DC Bureau. By Brittney Bryant. Published: Dec. Share on Facebook. It occurs most often when a plane treads the line between cold air on one side and warm air on the other.

A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change predicts that the effects of global warming on jet streams will not only cause clear-air turbulence to increase in frequency by as much as percent , but also to increase in strength.

Topics intel. The Intel Tips and tricks from our travel experts along with the latest news from airlines, hotels, loyalty programs, and more, delivered to your inbox weekly. To be called a jet stream, the wind must be moving faster than 60 mph. Jet streams generally blow from the west to the east around the Earth, often following a meandering, curved path just like a river on land.

The jet stream over the United States never stays in one place — it tends to move farther south and blow stronger in the winter , and to move farther north and not blow as strong in the summer. Airplane pilots measure speed in two different ways. First is airspeed — how fast the wind would feel if you stuck your hand out the window.

The second is ground speed — how fast the plane is moving over the ground. When you fly in the jet stream, your airspeed always stays the same, but your ground speed can change a lot because the air around the plane is moving.

On the way to Hawaii, I was flying with an airspeed of mph. Taking a longer physical distance route might make sense if you can piggyback on a strong tailwind. And likewise, you can re-route westbound flights to avoid some of the effects of the jet streams.

For more background on the complexities of flight routing take a look at our article , or for some fun this lighthearted look at the pictures these routings can create! So next time you are told your flight will be longer or shorter due to wind or jet stream effects, you will know why. Journalist - With almost a decade of experience in the publishing sphere, Justin has built up a deep understanding of the issues facing aviation today. With a keen interest in route development, new aircraft, and loyalty, his extensive travels with airlines such as British Airways and Cathay Pacific has given him profound direct comprehension of industry matters.

Justin Hayward Journalist - With almost a decade of experience in the publishing sphere, Justin has built up a deep understanding of the issues facing aviation today.

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