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

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

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

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 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

Hamburg Adds Prague and Geneva Flights to easyJet Network

Apr 26, 2026 00:35 AM

Gdańsk to Vilnius Flights Cut Journey Time to Just Over an Hour

Apr 26, 2026 00:22 AM

Stansted Strike Set to Disrupt May Bank Holiday Travel

Apr 26, 2026 00:19 AM

Southend to Budapest Flights Launch With Twice-Weekly Schedule

Apr 26, 2026 00:06 AM

Salzburg Gets Direct Rome Flights With Twice-Weekly SkyAlps Service

Apr 25, 2026 23:53 PM

Europe Travel Plans Hold as Safety and Costs Come Into Focus

Apr 25, 2026 23:47 PM

easyJet Adds Winter Sun Routes From Bordeaux

Apr 25, 2026 23:44 PM

Liverpool Lime Street to Close Over Early May Bank Holiday Weekend

Apr 25, 2026 23:41 PM

Frankfurt Opens Terminal 3 as Airlines Begin Move in Phases

Apr 24, 2026 10:58 AM

Flights Resume Between Doha and UAE as Damascus Returns to Map

Apr 24, 2026 10:45 AM

Rome to Santo Domingo Joins ITA’s Winter Long-Haul Line-Up

Apr 24, 2026 10:32 AM

Xi’an Gains First Direct Link to Vienna With New China Eastern Route

Apr 24, 2026 10:29 AM

New EU Pet Rules Add Costs and Paperwork for UK Travellers

Apr 24, 2026 01:36 AM

African Art Tour to Travel Across Four Capitals Before Brussels Stop

Apr 24, 2026 01:23 AM

Riga–Oulu Flights to Continue Through Winter After Strong Early Demand

Apr 24, 2026 01:17 AM

Jet2 Adds Paris Route From East Midlands for Summer 2027

Apr 23, 2026 21:04 PM

Ryanair Tightens Check-In Cut-Off With Earlier Desk Closures

Apr 23, 2026 20:51 PM

Mayfair Bank Building to Become Boutique Hotel

Apr 23, 2026 20:48 PM

Shannon Adds Direct Frankfurt Flight With Weekly Summer Service

Apr 23, 2026 20:35 PM

Helsinki Opens Car-Free Bridge Linking Islands to City

Apr 23, 2026 20:22 PM

Aegean Links Greece to China With New Air China Deal

Apr 23, 2026 20:19 PM

UK Coastguard Warns Over Deep Sand Holes at Busy Beaches

Apr 22, 2026 21:26 PM

Ryanair Urges Austria to Scrap €12 Flight Tax Amid Route Cuts

Apr 22, 2026 21:13 PM

Athens Weighs Limits on New Hotels Amid Tourism Pressure

Apr 22, 2026 21:07 PM

Lufthansa Cuts Short-Haul Flights While Shifting Focus to Key Hubs

Apr 22, 2026 21:19 PM

Big Orange Sale Opens Early Deals on 2026–2027 Holidays

Apr 22, 2026 02:54 AM