Originally Posted by
ethernal
In fairness, the padding is really for two reasons:
- Account for changes in jetstream. This is a random variable that cannot be predicted with reasonable accuracy until 48-96 hours prior to departure. An unusually strong jetstream can make a "typically" 5 hour flight into a 5 hour and 45 minute flight.
- Account for all too predictable apron/runway congestion
Actually, there's at least a third reason. See if you can guess what it is.