The great circle map shows an initial heading of 006 the north pole.

So what is the actual route if not north to the pole then south to NY?

KE 31 flies eastbound from ICN to DFW without technically going "overnight". I have taken this flight before, and though it does fly into darkness for a couple hours, certainly not a whole night's worth. IIRC, KE 31 departs ICN around 9:50 am local time and arrives DFW around 8:50 am local time.

It usually follows a more southerly route to take advantage of tailwinds.

Ok, this got me thinking about a flight I may book. ATL-BOM on Delta (the new route starting Nov. 1) This flight leaves ATL at 8pm and arrives BOM at 10:35pm. Since it is an 18 hour flight I am assuming there has to be some daylight on that flight, right? Anyone have any idea how much? Or is it possible that flight remains in darkness during the entire trip. :eek:

Hooray for the eastbound jet streams! So weird to see those flights route south of Alaska, but go over the pole EWR - SE Asia.

Which has made me wonder why you can't get the route's miles when a flight is regularly routed on a path other than a great circle arc.

I know, it's pointless to argue this but it'd still be nice to get the miles. :)

As for daytime flights - assuming some type of sonic transport were in use - aren't there plenty of onward connections, at least?