[Skibane]

The circumference of the earth at its widest point is about 25,000 miles, or a jet needs about a 12,500 range to fly half-way around the earth. However, many international flights go over the North Pole, e.g., to shorten the distance.

Ah, but there's a little bit of optimistic specmanship going on here: The distance to a city that is exactly half-way around the world is the same, North Pole route or not.

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

Besides distance, you are also dealing with prevailing winds and other considerations.