[FreePaul]

Don't they fly a great circle route? I don't think that would take them across the US.

[FreedomCalls]

Don't they fly a great circle route?

Yes they did. Here's a link to a map showing their route. Notice the light circles. Those show the radius for airfields capable of handling a 747 within 60 minutes flying time. At no time in the whole route was he ever less than an hour away from the nearest airport.

[Paleo Conservative]

Don't they fly a great circle route? I don't think that would take them across the US.

The great circle route from LA to London passes pretty close to Toronto.