Our flight from Atlanta to Madrid took just 6 hours and 40 minutes, and arrived over an hour early. I saw this article and I guess this is why.
Does this mean the flight back will be extra long?!
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/jet-stream-flights-speed-of-sound/index.html
Fascinating article. Thanks for sharing!
Does this mean the flight back will be extra long?!
Maybe, Depends on where the jetstream is and how strong it is when you fly.
In the northern hemisphere the westbound trip generally takes longer than the eastbound trip.
I once had a flight from SEA-ATL that took about 3hr 30-40 min, rather than the 4 hr 45min scheduled.
As Joe said, it depends on the strength and position of the jet stream on the day you fly. Both of those variables can change significantly in just a couple of days. As well, the westbound flight isn't always the exact reverse of your originating flight. Flights heading generally eastward between North America and Europe may follow along the jet stream for all or part of their flight, so they would arrive earlier than usual. Westbound flights may try to avoid the jet stream, or just expect to be somewhat delayed. It's unusual for flights using polar routes to be affected by the jet stream.
In 2015, we took an Open Skies flight from Paris to New York that landed 90 minutes early. The pilot joked when we landed that he had found a short cut.
Aren't the schedules padded to improve on-time performance, and to provide a hedge for making connections?
I flew LAX to Rome on Monday nonstop, arriving one hour early Tuesday morning - flight departed LAX slightly ahead of schedule.
Two weeks ago I flew from New York to London. We arrived an hour early. Everyday is different.
Mary, did you have more turbulence than usual?
A number of things affect arrival time, though it is a bit pessimistic to point to padding to make a number look good, rather, it is just smart planning. Flying to Europe from the US, the jet stream can make a big difference, more often than not, planes will get a boost to some degree, but the airlines do not plan on it, to do so will mess up your schedules. I would say that for my flights over the years, most arrived early to some degree.
Another factor for some, since we are coming into Winter, is that airlines plan time for deicing about now. It may be only 20-30 minutes, but it is factored in after "departure time". If deicing is not needed, you can count on your flight being early by that much.
Mary, did you have more turbulence than usual?
Nope. Very smooth all the way.
Here's a New York Times article on same topic (gifted so hopefully no paywall) - points out treemoss2 comment about the down sides of being early (no gate).
