NZFF

I've been watching ANZ2 progress across the USA , he's now in the final stages of the trip with about 20 mins to go.
What a haul that is. I wonder why they take that northerly track, crossing the US mainland close to LAX then all the way over.
I'm no navigator, but wouldn't aiming for Mexico and across the gulf be as fast ? I imagine it would allow as many alternates.....?

Meteorology and /or negotiated routing in accordance with ATC on the day/at the time .... might account for such Marty.

"COWPATZ" will likely be able to provide a more definitive explanation.

Mark C
AKL/NZ

It will be due to more favourable winds. You will probably see the return flight, NZ1, take a more southerly route via Mexico.

Thanks Chaps, I had an idea that would have been the case ...I just see a direct track and want to follow it ...got me in trouble before

CP speaketh with the wisdom of vast experience, just look at the winds aloft:



What a free ride across the US of A!

Charl, if I was dispatching CP on this run, based on your graphic it would be something like this...

Head up toward Fiji until you pick up that west/east stream going to Bogota, stay on the North side.
Turn left and enjoy the relatively wind-free Mexico gulf, power up, and head Nor West South of Florida for an hour or two....turn right, power back, and ride that 215Km/h breeze all the way to the big apple.

Ah but coming back is another story... you can't just go the long way round the winds because you will run out of fuel!