EARTH UNVEILED on Instagram: "The main reason for the difference in flight time between the U.S. and Japan is the **jet stream**. * **To Japan (Westbound):** Flights from the U.S. to Japan are significantly longer because planes are flying **against the jet stream**. The jet stream is a powerful, high-altitude air current that flows from west to east across the globe. Flying against this headwind increases travel time and fuel consumption. * **To U.S. (Eastbound):** Flights returning to the U.S.