eli5 If I fly to the other side of the world pointing East vs the same trip heading West how much difference does the earth’s rotation make to the trip?

Question

Thinking of a trip from the UK to Australia. Is it faster going East? Can you explain the maths of this? Thanks in advance (for my 10 year old son).

In: 12

Answer 1

Biggest factor will be the wind/ocean currents. This is why a flight between New York and LA can have different flight times based on what direction you’re flying. If you’re flying/sailing with these currents, you will move faster and therefore have a shorter trip than you would it you’re working against them.