Why do planes fly at high altitude even across the oceans, when flying at lower altitudes require covering a shorter distance?

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Why do planes fly at high altitude even across the oceans, when flying at lower altitudes require covering a shorter distance?

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The most efficient flight path is climbing at best climb rate up to the midpoint, then descending from there into the destination. In practice, you usually run out of altitude before that happens, and you start cruising near your top altitude instead. Short flights will look like that triangle, though. Take off, climb out, hit ceiling, five minutes later top of descent.

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