Is it really faster to fly east than west: Scientists have an answer

By TravelWiseDec 27, 2023 18:41 PMNews
Share:
Is it really faster to fly east than west. Source: Shutterstock

Many people might think that the Earth's eastward rotation is the reason for faster eastward travel; it is not. As NASA's Robert Frost explained, the Earth's rotation has no direct relationship to flight speed. Just as you don't walk faster when you go from east to west, the direction has no effect on the speed of an airplane.

The Earth's rotation on its own axis may seem like an intuitive answer. And while it doesn't directly affect the airplane, the truth is to be found in its indirect effect on the weather. More precisely, the real answer relates to a geophysical phenomenon known as jet streams, Simply Flying writes.

Is it really faster to fly east than west: Scientists have an answer. Source: Simply Flying
Is it really faster to fly east than west: Scientists have an answer. Source: Simply Flying

Jet streams are formed by the heating of the atmosphere and the action of the Earth's Coriolis force. They can reach speeds of 80 to 140 miles per hour and significantly affect flight times.

While jet streams can reduce flight time and fuel burn, they also increase the risk of clean air turbulence. Studies show that due to global warming, clean air turbulence will increase, making flying through jet streams riskier in the future.

Top Articles

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News

Temporary Train Changes in Sicily Could Impact Tourist Plans

Sep 13, 2025 01:27 AM

New Direct Air Connections Open Between Malaysia and Pontianak

Sep 13, 2025 00:31 AM

KLM Updates Newsletters with AI to Deliver Travel Insights

Sep 12, 2025 20:48 PM

September Rail Work on North Downs Line May Impact Trips

Sep 12, 2025 19:22 PM

SAS Opens First Non-Stop Route Between Copenhagen and Seoul

Sep 12, 2025 18:35 PM

Abergavenny Prepares for Food Festival with New Transport Arrangements

Sep 12, 2025 16:49 PM

Ryanair Confirms Partnership with Skyscanner

Sep 12, 2025 15:23 PM

New Platform Lets Passengers Book Rental Cars Directly at Berlin Airport

Sep 12, 2025 05:36 AM

Organized Holiday Packages Introduced for Winter Visitors in the Lake District

Sep 11, 2025 22:43 PM

Napa Valley Expands Stays Ahead of 2028 Opening

Sep 11, 2025 21:26 PM

Travelers Face Rising Threat from Fake Airline Sites

Sep 11, 2025 20:39 PM

Stockport Bridge Works to Affect Key Travel Routes This Autumn

Sep 11, 2025 19:42 PM

Wizz Air to Wind Down Vienna Base

Sep 11, 2025 19:25 PM

Skyhub PAD Reopens Key Connection from Paderborn

Sep 11, 2025 00:38 AM

Transavia Expands Summer 2026 Routes, Opening More Mediterranean Destinations

Sep 10, 2025 22:26 PM

Travelers’ Details Exposed in LNER Supplier Hack

Sep 10, 2025 21:49 PM

Major Rail Works on Caserta to Foggia Line Could Affect Travel Plans

Sep 10, 2025 21:33 PM

flydubai and TAROM Connect More European Destinations

Sep 10, 2025 20:24 PM

Wizz Air Expands Network from Tirana with New Routes

Sep 10, 2025 19:47 PM

Travel Planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Made Easier

Sep 10, 2025 18:51 PM

Rail Maintenance to Affect Passengers Along Key Northern Italy Route

Sep 9, 2025 21:27 PM

Panglao Island Expands Options for Visitors to Explore Beaches and Wildlife

Sep 9, 2025 20:41 PM

Hidden Costs in Online Travel Platforms Affect European Passengers

Sep 9, 2025 19:34 PM

Travel Delays Expected as North East Lines Undergo Maintenance

Sep 9, 2025 18:29 PM

New Travel Dates Open for Multi-Season Bookings

Sep 9, 2025 17:43 PM

Lapland Prepares for Busy Christmas Season with Direct Flights

Sep 9, 2025 16:36 PM