[squaresmile]

gcmap can map path with etops consideration http://www.gcmap.com/mapui

> pacific islands

Depending on the jet streams, the flight can take the great circle route [0] or taking advantage of the jet stream [1] and flying more southernly

[0] https://flightaware.com/live/flight/JAL6/history/20230108/02... [1] https://flightaware.com/live/flight/JAL6/history/20230105/02...

[phire]

Even then, it didn't take the actual great circle route because Russia.

The Japan to Europe flights are even worse. The great circle route cuts west, straight across Russia [0]. These days, they fly east to the Bering Strait then more or less directly over the north pole [1] (though probably easier to see on great-circle: [2])

[0] http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=HND-FRA

[1] https://flightaware.com/live/flight/DLH717/history/20230109/...

[2] http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=HND-NUZAN-KUTAL-FRA

[iso1631]

The direct route from FRA (Frankfurt Airport) to KUTAL (a navigational beacon on the Baring Sea in American airspace) passes within just 51 miles of the North Pole

Back in the Soviet era when USSR airspace was closed to most Western flights, planes couldn't do that route non stop from Europe, so had to stop over in Anchorage for refueling.

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=BINP%2CFRA-KUTAL%0D%0A&MS=wls&D...

Need to find an excuse to go to Japan

[phire]

That's pretty close.

Playing around, a theoretical NUE (Nuremberg) to KUTAL flight comes within 1 mile of the North Pole

[iso1631]

Looking at FR24's tracks (which are suplemented by satellite updates now), they do seem to fly further south, presumably to benefit from winds

Well into the 24 hour polar night/day period though (depending on time of year)