Air travel has changed significantly over the years.
Advances in aircraft technology and navigation have allowed planes to reach destinations faster than ever.
Natural forces also play a role, and powerful jet streams can sometimes help flights move much quicker than expected.
On Wednesday, British Airways Flight 274, an Airbus A350, experienced an unusual speed boost while traveling from Las Vegas to London Heathrow.
45 minutes shorter
The plane reached a ground speed of 1,310 kilometers per hour (814 mph), reducing the total flight time by 45 minutes.
The current subsonic speed record stands at 1,344 km/h (835 mph), set in 2020 by a New York to London flight that completed the journey in just four hours and 56 minutes.
The increase in speed was caused by a strong jet stream over the North Atlantic, the same air current that contributed to Storm Éowyn, which recently affected the United Kingdom, according to Digi24.
Scientists say that jet streams are often more intense during winter, providing an additional boost to aircraft traveling eastward.
Meteorologist Liz Bentley, head of the Royal Meteorological Society, explained that these high-altitude winds shift closer to the UK during winter, increasing the chances of faster flights.
Strong jet streams allow planes to reach much higher speeds without increasing their fuel consumption or engine power.
Other flights have also gained speed under similar conditions.
Earlier this week, a Qatar Airways flight from New York to Doha reached 1,340 km/h (832 mph), landing nearly 50 minutes ahead of schedule.
Despite these high speeds, the aircraft did not break the sound barrier. To be considered supersonic, a plane must exceed 1,235 km/h (767 mph) relative to the surrounding air.
Since these flights were moving with the wind rather than accelerating independently, their true airspeed remained within normal cruising limits.
Experts believe that if the strong jet stream continues, new subsonic speed records could be set in the coming days.
While passengers may not feel the difference, they might enjoy reaching their destinations sooner than expected.
