Why can t you fly across the Pacific Ocean?

As an aviation expert with a deep understanding of the mechanics of flight and the geography of our planet, I can provide a detailed explanation of why it is not feasible to fly directly across the Pacific Ocean from a practical standpoint.

First and foremost, the Earth is a sphere, and as such, the shortest path between two points on the surface of a sphere is not always a straight line when viewed on a flat map. This is due to the concept of great circle routes, which are the shortest paths between two points on the surface of a sphere. When you plot a great circle route on a flat map, it often appears as a curved line, and this is particularly true for long-haul flights across the Pacific.

The reference to flying more north and south, up over the North Pole, is an example of how great circle routes work. For some destinations, the shortest path is not a direct east-west route across the Pacific but rather a more northerly route that takes advantage of the curvature of the Earth. This is often the case for flights from North America to Asia, where flying over the Arctic Circle can be more efficient.

However, there are several practical reasons why flights do not always follow these great circle routes:


1. Weather Patterns: The Pacific Ocean is known for its unpredictable and often severe weather conditions. Flying directly across the Pacific would expose aircraft to these conditions, which can include typhoons, storms, and other hazards that can pose a risk to the safety and efficiency of the flight.


2. Air Traffic Control: Airspace is carefully managed to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft. Direct routes across the Pacific would require significant coordination between multiple countries and air traffic control systems, which can be complex and challenging to manage.


3. Emergency Landings: In the event of an emergency, it is crucial for an aircraft to be able to land as quickly as possible. Flying directly across the vast expanse of the Pacific would mean that in the case of an emergency, there might not be a suitable airport within range to make an emergency landing.


4. Fuel Efficiency and Jet Streams: While flying great circle routes can be more fuel-efficient, there are also considerations for jet streams. These are fast-moving air currents in the Earth's atmosphere that can significantly affect flight times and fuel consumption. Sometimes, it may be more efficient to fly a slightly longer route that takes advantage of tailwinds provided by jet streams.


5. Political and Regulatory Considerations: There are also political and regulatory factors that influence flight paths. Countries have sovereign airspace, and flights must adhere to the rules and regulations set by each country's aviation authority.


6. Passenger Comfort and Safety: Finally, airlines must consider the comfort and safety of their passengers. Direct flights across the Pacific would be extremely long, potentially exceeding the endurance of both passengers and crew.

In conclusion, while the concept of flying directly across the Pacific Ocean might seem straightforward, the reality is much more complex. The curvature of the Earth, weather patterns, air traffic control, emergency landing considerations, fuel efficiency, political and regulatory factors, and passenger comfort and safety all play a role in determining the most practical and efficient flight paths.

Because of this spherical shape, often times the shortest distance is flying more north and south, up over the Northern latitudes and the North Pole, rather than flying east/west over the Pacific. ... This causes the flights to be flown more eastbound--in both directions - longer routes but faster because of the tailwinds.