Okay, I have a stupid time question.

[imabrat]

If the difference in time zones is only 3 hours from the East Coast to the West Coast, why does it take 6 hours flight time?

And why is the flight time shorter (or is it longer?) coming back than going to?

 

[HSMndLKfan92]

You have to make it across that time line, and you're flying on a curve, not in a straight line.

 

[Babyjustrun]

Time zones don't tell you how far you are away in time. It just tells you that the sun is in a different position depending on your location, therefore, the time is different.

And it's shorter, because of jet currents.

 

[EyoreFANS12]

i think it is because it takes 3 hours to get to your destination. So if your going to a time zone that adds three hours it makes it 6 when it is actually 3. I dont know it is just a guess. haha

 

[chisnpeke]

I don't think it takes 6 hours, it just seems like it does. You gain 3 hours when you go to California and you lose 3 when you come back. I think this is how it goes...

You leave the east coast at 9 am and get to west coast at 12 pm EASTERN time but it's 9 am PACIFIC time.

You leave the west coast at 9 am PACIFIC time and get home at 3 pm EASTERN time because when you left at 9 am pacific it was already 12 pm eastern.

 

[pigletgirl]

Its easier on the mind and body to fly west. You gain hours. Flying to the east coast is harder because you loose hours, and your body has a harder time adjusting.