2006-06-07 15:42:02 · 8 answers · asked by VV 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
The prevailing jetstream winds flow from west to east. So, when you are flying from Europe to the US, you are bucking a headwind. This slows your ground speed. When flying from the US to Europe, you have a tail wind that increases your ground speed.
The jetstream winds can easily exceed 100 MPH and can make a significant difference in travel times. I fly from Chicago to Shanghai frequently. The flight over there typically takes about 3 - 4 hours longer than the return trip due to the jetstream winds. Flight times between Europe and the US typically differ by 1 - 2 hours.
The time zone changes have NOTHING to do with it. Although your ticket and itinerary list local times for departure and arrival, the actual flight planning done by the pilot is always done by Zulu time or UTC, formerly known as GMT.
2006-06-07 23:23:45 · answer #1 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
As the world turns on it's axis East to West winds develop from West to East so the plane is slowed facing wind pressure
2006-06-08 03:07:14 · answer #2 · answered by AL 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you are flying against the direction of the wind .
2006-06-09 11:12:39 · answer #3 · answered by Aneesh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prevailing winds blow from west to east. Same thing happens when flying between east and west coast of the US.
2006-06-08 00:45:31 · answer #4 · answered by joe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
:-) I like Missy's answer. The tradewinds, or jetstream is also a factor. Jets coming back are flying into a headwind, so go slower, and use more fuel.
2006-06-09 18:06:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prevailing wind direction.
2006-06-07 23:25:15 · answer #6 · answered by thresher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you are gaining three hours coming back and losing three hours going there. Silly rabbit!!!!
2006-06-07 22:47:26 · answer #7 · answered by MISSY D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because of the trade winds!!
2006-06-10 18:44:51 · answer #8 · answered by ethan_rocket 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋