Do you ever wonder why it takes about half an hour longer to fly from the east coast to the west coast than fly west to east? The answer involves the jet stream. (Winds resembling huge streams circle the hemisphere), usually at altitudes of 30,000 to 40,000 feet. These jet streams are established when cold polar air comes into contact with hot air from the tropical regions. They flow generally from west to east, but may flow from north to south and meander at times. Airlines pilots can ride these streams when flying east, but must necessarily buck them when flying west.
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