Why Westbound Flights Take Longer: The Jet Stream, With Examples
Westbound flights take longer because they fly into the jet stream's headwinds. See how it works, real route times, and when the gap is biggest.
Nonstop from Sydney Kingsford Smith to Los Angeles International: distance, flying time, which airlines fly it and how often.
Distance
7,494 mi, great circle
Flying time
typical, gate to gate
Flights a day
average, November 2026
Airlines
passenger airlines
The shortest path over the Earth's surface. Actual tracks vary with winds and airspace. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Fares found in recent searches load here. You can also compare SYD to LAX fares by month.
Westbound flights take longer because they fly into the jet stream's headwinds. See how it works, real route times, and when the gap is biggest.
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About 15h 02m gate to gate for the 12,061 km (7,494 mile) trip, estimated from distance. Schedules vary by airline and season, and winds can add or save time.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Qantas and United Airlines, with about 4.3 flights a day between them in our data (AeroDataBox, November 2026).