jet stream

Meaning

The jet stream is a narrow band of strong, fast-moving wind high up in the earth's atmosphere. Pilots often use these winds to their advantage; flying with the jet stream can significantly shorten flight times and save fuel, while flying against it can cause delays. The term is neutral and widely used in meteorology and aviation.

Examples

• Thanks to a strong jet stream pushing us from behind, our flight arrived forty minutes ahead of schedule.

  Thanks to a strong jet stream pushing us from behind, our flight arrived forty minutes ahead of schedule.

• We are currently flying against the jet stream, which is why our westbound trip is taking longer.

  We are currently flying against the jet stream, which is why our westbound trip is taking longer.

• The pilot adjusted the flight path to ride the jet stream and conserve fuel.

  The pilot adjusted the flight path to ride the jet stream and conserve fuel.

• Meteorologists monitor the position of the jet stream to predict weather patterns and turbulence.

  Meteorologists monitor the position of the jet stream to predict weather patterns and turbulence.

• Planes traveling from New York to London often utilize the jet stream to speed up their journey.

  Planes traveling from New York to London often utilize the jet stream to speed up their journey.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The plane got caught in the fast jet wind.

  ✓ The plane got caught in the jet stream.

  'Jet wind' is incorrect; the established meteorological and aviation term is 'jet stream'.

• ✗ Our flight was delayed because of the opposite jet stream.

  ✓ Our flight was delayed because we were flying against the jet stream.

  Native speakers say they are 'flying against' or encountering a 'headwind from' the jet stream, rather than calling it an 'opposite' jet stream.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Flying eastward is usually faster because aircraft can hitch a ride on the ___.

  💡 The fast-flowing high-altitude wind current.

  Show answer

  jet stream

• The meteorologist explained how a shift in the ___ was bringing colder air down from Canada.

  💡 The atmospheric wind band.

  Show answer

  jet stream