Introduction to Air Miles and Route
Air miles are a measure of the distance traveled by an aircraft in the air. They are commonly used to calculate the distance between two airports. In this article, we will explore how many air miles there are between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This route is one of the most popular in the United States, connecting the West Coast to the East Coast.
Distance Calculation Methods
There are two main methods for calculating the distance between two airports: straight line distance and great circle distance. The straight line distance is the shortest distance between two points on a map. However, it does not take into account the curvature of the earth. The great circle distance is the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere. It is calculated by finding the shortest distance along the arc of a great circle, which takes into account the curvature of the earth.
Straight Line Distance & Great Circle Distance
The straight line distance between LAX and JFK is approximately 2,470 miles. However, the great circle distance is slightly longer, at approximately 2,445 miles. This is because the great circle distance takes into account the curvature of the earth.
Factors Affecting Actual Distance
The actual distance flown by an aircraft can be affected by a variety of factors, including flight route, air traffic control, wind patterns, and altitude.
Flight Route & Air Traffic Control
The flight route between LAX and JFK can vary depending on air traffic control and weather conditions. Generally, the flight will follow a route over the central United States, passing over cities such as Denver, Chicago, and Cleveland.
Wind Patterns & Altitude
Wind patterns can also affect the actual distance flown by an aircraft. Tailwinds can help to reduce the distance flown, while headwinds can increase it. In addition, altitude can affect the distance flown. Higher altitudes can help to reduce air resistance and increase efficiency.
Estimated Total Air Miles
Taking into account the great circle distance and other factors, the estimated total air miles between LAX and JFK is approximately 2,500 miles.
Popular Airlines on the Route
Many airlines offer flights between LAX and JFK, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
Flight Duration and Frequency
The flight duration between LAX and JFK is typically around five to six hours. Flights are available throughout the day, with multiple flights offered by most airlines.
Other Routes with Similar Distance
Other popular routes with similar distances include San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Conclusion: LAX-JFK Air Miles
In conclusion, the estimated total air miles between LAX and JFK is approximately 2,500 miles. The actual distance flown can be affected by a variety of factors, including flight route, air traffic control, wind patterns, and altitude. Many airlines offer flights between LAX and JFK, with multiple flights offered throughout the day.
Further Reading & Resources
- "Distance Between Airports." Flight Distance Calculator. Retrieved from
- "LAX to JFK Flight Time, Distance, Route Map." Flight-Durations.com. Retrieved from
- "Flying Between Los Angeles and New York." TripSavvy. Retrieved from https://www.tripsavvy.com/flying-between-los-angeles-and-new-york-2972579
