Why transatlantic flights fly over greenland

Still, not just any airplane can make the long trip up and over the top of the world. Jets operating on transpolar routes must follow strict safety policies and carry extra gear, including two or three cold-weather suits for crew in case of an emergency landing; specialized communication equipment; and recovery plans for stranded passengers. Should an emergency occur while your plane is high over the Arctic, the flight crew will be ready with pre-planned diversion airports not that Tiksi, Russia or Alert, Nunavut are ideal surprise stops on your vacation.

And what about the Antarctic? The airline is a member of Star Alliance. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here.

More From Forbes. Nov 11, , am EST. Nov 10, , pm EST. Nov 10, , am EST. Nov 9, , pm EST. This is why pilots fly polar routes saving time and distance.

And this is why pilots often fly over Greenland. Planes flying in the North Pole, thus, need to have equipment that can compensate for this as best as possible. Long distance flight paths are designed to be the most efficient way to get from point A to point B on the other side of the world. Once we get a little bit of distance from magnetic north, the icon settled down and pointed toward Beijing.