DID YOU KNOW: WHY DO PLANES "REFUSE" TO FLY STRAIGHT ACROSS THE PACIFIC OCEAN?

DID YOU KNOW: WHY DO PLANES "REFUSE" TO FLY STRAIGHT ACROSS THE PACIFIC OCEAN? 

Looking at a flat map, drawing a straight line right across the Pacific Ocean seems like the fastest route. But in reality, pilots choose to curve way up North (over Alaska or Russia). What's the mystery here? 

The flat map illusion: Our Earth is a sphere! When applying the "Great Circle" principle on a spherical surface, a curved route to the North is actually shorter, saving both time and tons of fuel.

The life-or-death rule (ETOPS): No matter how advanced technology gets, planes always need to stay within a safe distance of alternate airports. Flying over the vast, open ocean means having "nowhere to land" in an emergency.

Hitching a ride on the wind: Taking advantage of the Jet Streams up North helps "push" the planes along much faster.

 It turns out a straight line isn't always the shortest path! Next time you fly to the US, try opening the in-flight map to check out this magical route!