FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Consolidated "Delayed/Cancelled" International Flights (2016)

Apr 10, 2016 | 1:49 pm

#360

wxguy

Join Date: Dec 2004

Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK

Programs: UA 4.6MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; DL GLD, HYA GLOB

Posts: 4,888

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsiFighter37

Ugh - so UA836 took off what looks like nearly 4 hours late. Unfortunately, it also seems like (based on UA's map, as well as FlightAware) that the PVG-ORD routing they took was a non-polar one - so the flight time showing on FA's website is nearly 10 PM (compared to UA showing 6:38 PM). Is there any color why UA would decide to fly a much longer route on the plane than originally planned?

Eastbound travel is typically further south to take advantage of the jetstream. Thanks to strong jestream wind, oftentimes the fastest, least-fuel route is not the least distance (i.e. great circle) route.