Originally Posted by
Waterhorse
It’s probably due to the weather at the ETOPS alternates in Alaska and Northern Canada not meeting the requirements, it’s hardly ever due to the prevailing winds.
JL41, JL43, and NH211 (all HND LHR) flew east and north on the 19th, so weather was not bad enough to prevent them from flying the polar route. I guess BA had other operational reasons for the change.