The length of a transatlantic journey from MadridBarajas Airport (MAD) to John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK) is an important issue for vacationers. This length is influenced by a number of variables, together with plane sort, air site visitors management, climate circumstances, and chosen route. A typical continuous journey often falls throughout the vary of seven to eight hours. Connecting flights, whereas doubtlessly providing value financial savings, invariably lengthen the general journey time.
Understanding the everyday length of this route permits vacationers to plan accordingly. Correct time estimations allow efficient scheduling of connecting flights, floor transportation, and different logistical preparations. Historic knowledge on flight durations gives a useful benchmark, enabling vacationers to anticipate potential delays and modify itineraries as wanted. This predictability contributes considerably to a smoother, much less worrying journey expertise, notably for enterprise vacationers or these with tight schedules.
This text will additional discover the components influencing journey length between Madrid and New York, providing insights into minimizing journey time and maximizing effectivity. Matters coated will embrace airline route comparisons, seasonal differences, and ideas for navigating potential disruptions.
1. Scheduled Flight Time
Scheduled flight time represents the anticipated length of a flight from Madrid to JFK, revealed by airways and used for preliminary planning. Whereas it serves as a vital reference level, it is important to grasp that that is an estimated determine, topic to variations attributable to operational and exterior components. Precisely deciphering scheduled flight occasions is prime to managing journey expectations.
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Baseline Length
Airways set up baseline durations based mostly on ultimate circumstances, together with optimum routes and common cruising speeds. For Madrid to JFK, this usually falls throughout the 7-8 hour vary for direct flights. This baseline serves as an anchor for scheduling connecting flights, floor transportation, and different logistical preparations. Nevertheless, relying solely on this determine with out accounting for potential variability can result in misaligned plans.
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Airline Variability
Completely different airways might need various scheduled flight occasions for a similar route resulting from components like plane sort, chosen flight paths, and inside operational procedures. One airline would possibly schedule a 7-hour 30-minute flight, whereas one other schedules it for 8 hours. Evaluating these schedules is essential when deciding on a flight, particularly when time constraints are a major issue.
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Padding for Contingencies
Airways typically incorporate a buffer into their scheduled occasions to account for predictable delays, equivalent to taxiing time and potential air site visitors congestion. This padding helps preserve on-time efficiency metrics however also can result in discrepancies between scheduled and precise flight occasions. Recognizing this built-in buffer permits for extra practical expectations.
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Impression of Connecting Flights
Scheduled flight occasions turn into considerably extra complicated when connecting flights are concerned. Layover durations, potential delays within the preliminary leg, and the scheduled time of the connecting flight all contribute to the entire journey time. Cautious consideration of those interconnected schedules is paramount for seamless journey planning.
Understanding the nuances of scheduled flight time empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable choices. Whereas it gives a place to begin, it is vital to keep in mind that precise flight occasions are dynamic and influenced by numerous components. By contemplating the baseline length, airline variability, built-in padding, and the complexity of connecting flights, vacationers can develop extra practical expectations and plan accordingly, minimizing the affect of potential disruptions.
2. Airline Variations
Completely different airways working between Madrid (MAD) and John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK) typically exhibit variations in flight durations. These discrepancies come up from a mix of things influencing operational effectivity and passenger expertise. Understanding these variations is essential for vacationers looking for to optimize their itineraries.
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Plane Kind
The kind of plane deployed on a route immediately impacts flight time. Bigger, extra fashionable plane just like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner typically cruise at larger speeds and make the most of extra environment friendly flight paths in comparison with older or smaller plane. This may end up in shorter flight occasions. Airways prioritizing velocity and effectivity would possibly go for these newer fashions, whereas others utilizing older plane could expertise barely longer durations.
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Route Choice
Airways make use of various flight paths based mostly on components like wind circumstances, air site visitors management, and gas effectivity. A extra direct route usually interprets to a shorter flight time. Nevertheless, exterior components can necessitate deviations, impacting general length. Airways using extra northerly routes, for example, would possibly expertise shorter durations throughout sure occasions of the 12 months resulting from prevailing winds.
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Operational Procedures
Inside airline procedures, equivalent to floor dealing with effectivity and turnaround occasions, can not directly affect flight length. Airways with streamlined procedures could obtain sooner turnaround occasions, minimizing delays and not directly affecting general journey time. This will manifest as variations in scheduled departure and arrival occasions between airways, even on the identical route.
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In-flight Service Choices
Whereas circuitously impacting flight time, the extent of in-flight service can affect the perceived length of the journey. Airways providing extra facilities or leisure choices could contribute to a extra constructive passenger expertise, doubtlessly making the flight appear shorter.
Contemplating these airline-specific variations is essential for vacationers planning a visit between Madrid and JFK. By researching plane varieties, typical routes, and recognized operational efficiencies of various airways, passengers could make knowledgeable choices that align with their journey priorities, whether or not it is minimizing complete journey time or prioritizing consolation and facilities.
3. Direct vs. Connecting
The selection between a direct and a connecting flight considerably impacts the general journey time between Madrid (MAD) and John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK). Direct flights supply the quickest journey possibility, usually taking 7-8 hours. This streamlined method eliminates the time spent throughout layovers, together with deplaning, navigating connecting terminals, safety checks, and boarding the following flight. For time-sensitive vacationers, notably enterprise vacationers, direct flights supply vital benefits.
Connecting flights, whereas typically cheaper, introduce appreciable variability and potential will increase in complete journey time. Layovers can vary from a couple of hours to a complete day, relying on the chosen itinerary. The added time spent in transit, coupled with the chance of unexpected delays within the preliminary leg impacting subsequent connections, can considerably lengthen the general journey. As an illustration, a connecting flight by means of a European hub might add a number of hours to the general journey time in comparison with a direct flight. Moreover, connecting flights introduce further factors of potential disruption, equivalent to missed connections resulting from delays, rising the complexity of journey logistics.
The choice between direct and connecting flights includes a trade-off between time and price. Whereas connecting flights would possibly supply value financial savings, they arrive on the expense of elevated journey time and the potential for disruptions. Direct flights supply predictability and velocity, essential for time-sensitive journey, whereas connecting flights supply affordability however require cautious consideration of layover durations and potential delays. Assessing particular person journey priorities is crucial in making an knowledgeable resolution that balances value and time effectivity.
4. Wind Situations
Wind circumstances play a major position in figuring out the precise flight time between Madrid and JFK. Transatlantic flights are notably prone to the affect of jet streams, robust winds at excessive altitudes that may both help or impede an plane’s progress. Understanding the affect of those wind patterns is essential for precisely estimating flight length and potential delays.
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Jet Stream Impression
The North Atlantic jet stream, a strong band of westerly winds, considerably influences eastbound and westbound transatlantic flights. Eastbound flights, touring from Madrid to JFK, typically profit from tailwinds generated by the jet stream, doubtlessly decreasing flight time by as much as an hour or extra. Conversely, westbound flights face headwinds, rising journey time and gas consumption.
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Headwinds and Tailwinds
Headwinds, blowing immediately towards the plane’s course of journey, improve air resistance and successfully decelerate the aircraft, resulting in longer flight occasions. Tailwinds, pushing the plane from behind, present an added enhance, rising floor velocity and shortening journey time. The energy and course of those winds are dynamic, altering with climate patterns and seasons.
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Route Changes
Airways typically modify flight paths to benefit from favorable winds or mitigate the affect of opposed wind circumstances. Pilots and flight dispatchers analyze climate forecasts and wind patterns to find out probably the most environment friendly route. These changes can contain slight deviations from probably the most direct route, aiming to reduce headwinds or maximize tailwinds, impacting general flight time.
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Turbulence Potential
Variations in wind velocity and course also can contribute to turbulence, notably within the neighborhood of the jet stream. Whereas circuitously affecting flight time, turbulence can affect passenger consolation and, in extreme circumstances, necessitate flight path alterations to keep away from notably turbulent areas, doubtlessly not directly influencing flight length.
Contemplating the dynamic nature of wind circumstances is crucial when estimating flight time between Madrid and JFK. Whereas scheduled flight occasions present a baseline, precise length can differ significantly as a result of affect of headwinds and tailwinds. Monitoring wind forecasts and understanding their affect on flight routes helps handle expectations and anticipate potential deviations from revealed schedules.
5. Air Visitors Management
Air site visitors management (ATC) performs a vital position in figuring out the precise flight time between Madrid and JFK. ATC manages the circulation of plane out and in of airports and throughout airways, guaranteeing protected separation and environment friendly use of airspace. Its affect on flight length manifests primarily by means of holding patterns, floor delays, and rerouting resulting from congestion or different operational constraints.
Holding patterns, typically required when arrival airports expertise congestion or opposed climate circumstances, signify a major supply of potential flight delays. Plane circle in designated holding areas till cleared for method, including to the general flight time. Floor delays, carried out to handle departure schedules and forestall overwhelming arrival airports, additionally contribute to elevated journey length. Plane could also be held on the bottom earlier than departure, delaying the beginning of the flight and impacting arrival occasions. Moreover, ATC would possibly reroute plane resulting from airspace congestion, climate programs, or different operational necessities. These deviations, whereas needed for security and effectivity, typically end in longer flight paths and consequently elevated journey time.
The complexity of transatlantic air site visitors administration, notably alongside the closely traversed North Atlantic Tracks, necessitates meticulous coordination between ATC facilities in numerous nations. This coordination ensures protected and environment friendly site visitors circulation, minimizing delays whereas prioritizing security. Understanding the affect of ATC on flight time is essential for managing journey expectations. Whereas components like climate and plane efficiency contribute to variability, ATC-related delays signify a major and infrequently unpredictable aspect. Acknowledging this facet of air journey permits for extra practical planning and adaptableness within the face of potential disruptions.
6. Seasonal Modifications
Differences due to the season exert a notable affect on flight occasions between Madrid and JFK. These fluctuations come up primarily from shifts in prevailing wind patterns, notably the North Atlantic jet stream, and variations in climate programs. Throughout winter months, the jet stream intensifies and shifts southward, producing stronger westerly winds. This usually leads to shorter eastbound flight occasions (Madrid to JFK) resulting from favorable tailwinds however can result in longer westbound journeys resulting from stronger headwinds. Conversely, throughout summer time months, the jet stream weakens and shifts northward, resulting in much less pronounced wind help for eastbound flights and diminished headwinds for westbound journey. Consequently, eastbound flights would possibly expertise barely longer durations in summer time in comparison with winter, whereas westbound flights may even see shorter durations.
Past wind patterns, seasonal climate programs additionally play a job. Winter storms over the North Atlantic could cause flight delays and necessitate rerouting, doubtlessly rising flight occasions in each instructions. Summer season thunderstorms, whereas typically localized, also can trigger disruptions and delays, notably round departure and arrival airports. Moreover, seasonal differences in air site visitors demand can affect flight occasions not directly. Peak journey seasons, equivalent to summer time and holidays, typically expertise elevated air site visitors congestion, resulting in potential delays resulting from holding patterns and floor delays managed by air site visitors management. Understanding these seasonal influences permits vacationers to anticipate potential variations in flight occasions and plan accordingly. For instance, scheduling a essential enterprise assembly instantly following a westbound transatlantic flight throughout winter is likely to be dangerous as a result of elevated probability of headwind-related delays.
In abstract, seasonal modifications signify a vital issue influencing flight occasions between Madrid and JFK. Recognizing the interaction of shifting jet stream patterns, seasonal climate programs, and variations in air site visitors demand permits vacationers to handle expectations successfully. Anticipating potential delays and constructing buffer time into journey plans, notably throughout peak seasons or when touring westbound throughout winter, contributes to a smoother and fewer worrying journey expertise.
7. Plane Kind
Plane sort considerably influences flight time between Madrid and JFK. Cruising velocity, gas effectivity, and route capabilities differ significantly amongst totally different plane fashions, immediately impacting journey length. Newer technology plane, such because the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350, are designed for long-haul routes with enhanced gas effectivity and better cruising speeds, typically leading to shorter flight occasions in comparison with older fashions just like the Boeing 767 or Airbus A330. As an illustration, a Boeing 787 would possibly full the Madrid-JFK route in roughly 7 hours and half-hour, whereas an older Airbus A330 would possibly take nearer to eight hours, all different components being equal.
This distinction stems from developments in engine know-how, aerodynamics, and light-weight supplies utilized in newer plane. These developments translate to larger cruising altitudes, sooner speeds, and diminished gas consumption, enabling airways to optimize flight paths and reduce journey time. Moreover, sure plane varieties are higher geared up to deal with difficult climate circumstances or make the most of extra direct routes over the North Atlantic, additional impacting general flight length. An airline working a contemporary, fuel-efficient plane can doubtlessly leverage stronger tailwinds by flying at larger altitudes, additional decreasing journey time in comparison with an airline utilizing an older, much less environment friendly plane restricted to decrease altitudes.
Understanding the connection between plane sort and flight time empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable decisions. Whereas components equivalent to wind circumstances and air site visitors management nonetheless contribute to variability, deciding on a flight operated by a more recent, extra environment friendly plane will increase the probability of a shorter and doubtlessly extra comfy journey. Checking the plane sort throughout flight choice, available on airline web sites or flight comparability platforms, gives useful perception into anticipated flight length and potential effectivity positive aspects.
8. Route Deviations
Route deviations signify a major issue influencing flight time between Madrid and JFK. Whereas deliberate routes goal for probably the most direct path, deviations typically turn into needed resulting from a variety of operational and environmental components. These deviations, whereas typically minor, can contribute to elevated flight length and necessitate changes to arrival time estimations. A number of components necessitate route deviations, together with climate programs, air site visitors congestion, and airspace restrictions. Extreme climate, equivalent to thunderstorms or heavy precipitation, typically requires plane to deviate from deliberate routes to make sure passenger security and keep away from turbulent circumstances. Equally, air site visitors congestion, notably alongside the busy North Atlantic Tracks, necessitates rerouting to keep up protected separation between plane. Airspace restrictions, arising from occasions like army workout routines or political instability, also can pressure plane onto different flight paths.
The affect of route deviations on flight time is variable, relying on the extent and nature of the deviation. A minor detour to bypass a localized thunderstorm would possibly add only some minutes to the general flight length. Nevertheless, a major rerouting resulting from a significant climate system or in depth airspace closures might add as much as an hour or extra. For instance, a flight initially deliberate alongside a direct North Atlantic Monitor is likely to be rerouted a number of hundred miles south to keep away from a strong winter storm, rising each flight time and gas consumption. Equally, a flight encountering sudden air site visitors congestion close to JFK is likely to be positioned in a holding sample, including to the general journey time. Understanding the potential for and affect of route deviations is essential for managing expectations relating to flight time.
In conclusion, route deviations signify an inherent facet of transatlantic flights, impacting flight time between Madrid and JFK. Whereas airways and air site visitors management attempt to reduce deviations, unexpected circumstances typically necessitate alterations to deliberate routes. Recognizing the dynamic nature of air journey and the potential affect of route deviations permits vacationers to anticipate variability in flight length and modify plans accordingly. Monitoring flight standing updates and speaking with airways gives useful info relating to potential route modifications and revised arrival time estimations, facilitating proactive administration of journey logistics.
9. Potential Delays
Potential delays signify an unavoidable facet of air journey, impacting flight time between Madrid and JFK. Varied components contribute to those delays, starting from operational points to unexpected circumstances, all of which may considerably lengthen the general length of a journey. Understanding the potential causes of delays and their affect on transatlantic flights is essential for managing expectations and mitigating disruptions.
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Climate Disruptions
Climate programs, each on the origin and vacation spot airports, in addition to alongside the flight path, signify a major supply of delays. Heavy fog in Madrid, blizzards in New York, or thunderstorms alongside the North Atlantic route can result in floor stops, flight cancellations, and vital delays. These weather-related disruptions can affect departure schedules, necessitate holding patterns, and pressure route deviations, all of which contribute to elevated flight occasions.
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Mechanical Points
Mechanical issues with the plane, starting from minor technical glitches to extra vital malfunctions, could cause delays earlier than departure and even necessitate unscheduled landings. Upkeep necessities, whereas important for guaranteeing security, can affect departure occasions, doubtlessly inflicting cascading delays for connecting flights. These mechanical points, whereas unpredictable, signify a tangible danger impacting flight schedules and general journey length.
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Air Visitors Congestion
Excessive volumes of air site visitors, notably throughout peak journey seasons or at busy hub airports, can result in delays each on the bottom and within the air. Floor delays, carried out by air site visitors management to handle departure schedules and forestall overwhelming arrival airports, can lengthen departure occasions. Airborne delays, ensuing from holding patterns resulting from congestion at vacation spot airports, additionally contribute to elevated flight time.
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Safety Considerations
Safety-related incidents or enhanced safety screenings could cause delays at airports. Whereas important for passenger security, these procedures can affect check-in and boarding processes, resulting in delayed departures and doubtlessly impacting connecting flights. Safety-related delays, whereas rare, signify a possible disruption issue affecting flight schedules and general journey time.
These potential delays, whereas individually distinct, typically work together and compound, creating cascading results that ripple by means of air journey networks. A climate delay in Madrid, for example, would possibly trigger a passenger to overlook a connecting flight in JFK, resulting in a major extension of the general journey. Acknowledging the potential for these delays and constructing buffer time into journey plans, notably throughout peak seasons or when climate forecasts are unsure, can mitigate disruptions and contribute to a extra manageable journey expertise.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to flight length between Madrid (MAD) and John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK), offering readability on components influencing journey time.
Query 1: What’s the typical flight time between Madrid and JFK?
Continuous flights typically vary from 7 to eight hours. Nevertheless, connecting flights can considerably lengthen journey time, relying on the layover length and routing.
Query 2: How do wind circumstances have an effect on flight length?
Prevailing winds, notably the North Atlantic jet stream, affect eastbound and westbound flights in a different way. Eastbound flights typically profit from tailwinds, decreasing journey time, whereas westbound flights usually face headwinds, rising length.
Query 3: What position does air site visitors management play in flight time?
Air site visitors management manages plane circulation, doubtlessly resulting in delays resulting from holding patterns, floor delays, or rerouting necessitated by congestion, climate, or different operational constraints.
Query 4: How do totally different airways affect flight length on this route?
Airways make the most of totally different plane varieties, routes, and operational procedures, which may affect flight time. Newer plane typically have larger cruising speeds, whereas route decisions have an effect on publicity to headwinds or tailwinds.
Query 5: How do seasonal modifications have an effect on Madrid to JFK flight occasions?
Differences due to the season within the jet stream and climate programs affect flight occasions. Winter typically sees shorter eastbound flights resulting from stronger tailwinds however longer westbound flights resulting from stronger headwinds. Summer season usually presents the reverse state of affairs.
Query 6: What are the first causes of delays on this route?
Widespread causes of delays embrace opposed climate circumstances at both airport or alongside the flight path, mechanical points with the plane, air site visitors congestion, and security-related procedures. These components can individually or cumulatively contribute to prolonged journey occasions.
Understanding these components permits for extra practical expectations and proactive journey planning. Whereas scheduled occasions present a baseline, precise flight length stays prone to varied influences.
The following part delves deeper into methods for minimizing journey time and maximizing effectivity on this route.
Ideas for Managing Madrid to JFK Flight Time
Minimizing journey time and maximizing effectivity on the Madrid to JFK route requires proactive planning and consideration of a number of key components. The following tips supply sensible methods for optimizing journey preparations and mitigating potential disruptions.
Tip 1: E-book Direct Flights When Doable: Direct flights eradicate layover time and the chance of missed connections, considerably decreasing general journey time. Whereas doubtlessly costlier, the time saved typically outweighs the associated fee, particularly for time-sensitive journey.
Tip 2: Think about Airline Schedules and Plane: Completely different airways make the most of numerous plane varieties and routes, impacting flight length. Choosing airways recognized for working newer, extra environment friendly plane on this route can doubtlessly scale back journey time. Consulting airline schedules and plane info throughout reserving permits for knowledgeable choices.
Tip 3: Monitor Climate Forecasts and Jet Stream Patterns: Transatlantic flights are prone to wind circumstances. Monitoring climate forecasts and jet stream patterns earlier than departure helps anticipate potential headwinds or tailwinds, offering extra practical journey time estimations.
Tip 4: Think about Peak Journey Seasons and Potential Delays: Peak journey seasons typically expertise elevated air site visitors congestion, resulting in potential delays. Reserving flights exterior of those peak durations, or factoring in further buffer time for potential disruptions, can mitigate delays and guarantee smoother journey.
Tip 5: Make the most of Flight Monitoring Apps and Airline Notifications: Actual-time flight monitoring apps and airline notifications present updates on flight standing, gate modifications, and potential delays. Staying knowledgeable about flight progress permits proactive changes to journey plans and minimizes the affect of disruptions.
Tip 6: Choose Seats Strategically for Quicker Deplaning: Selecting a seat nearer to the entrance of the plane facilitates sooner deplaning upon arrival, saving useful time, notably for connecting flights or tight schedules. This strategic seat choice can streamline the transition course of and mitigate the affect of potential delays.
Tip 7: Put together for Potential Delays and Pack Accordingly: Packing important gadgets in carry-on baggage, together with drugs, electronics, and a change of garments, prepares vacationers for potential delays or unexpected circumstances. This proactive method minimizes disruption in case of bags delays or sudden in a single day stays.
Using these methods enhances journey effectivity on the Madrid-JFK route. Proactive planning and knowledgeable decision-making contribute considerably to a smoother, much less worrying journey expertise.
This text concludes with a abstract of key takeaways and actionable suggestions for optimizing journey between Madrid and New York.
Conclusion
This exploration of things influencing flight length between Madrid and JFK underscores the dynamic nature of transatlantic journey. Key influences on general journey time embrace plane sort, airline operational procedures, prevailing wind circumstances, air site visitors management, seasonal differences, and potential route deviations or delays. Direct flights typically supply the quickest possibility, usually starting from seven to eight hours, whereas connecting flights introduce variability resulting from layovers and potential connection disruptions. Newer, extra fuel-efficient plane have a tendency to supply shorter flight occasions resulting from larger cruising speeds and optimized routes. Prevailing winds, notably the North Atlantic jet stream, can considerably affect flight length, with eastbound flights typically benefiting from tailwinds and westbound flights going through headwinds. Seasonal modifications within the jet stream’s place and depth additional affect journey time. Air site visitors management procedures, together with holding patterns and floor delays, can introduce unexpected additions to general journey length. Lastly, potential delays stemming from climate disruptions, mechanical points, or safety issues signify an inherent facet of air journey, impacting scheduled flight occasions.
Efficient administration of journey expectations necessitates a complete understanding of those interconnected components. Knowledgeable decision-making, together with strategic flight choice based mostly on plane sort, airline schedules, and seasonal issues, contributes to optimized journey planning. Proactive monitoring of climate forecasts, flight standing updates, and potential delays empowers vacationers to adapt to unexpected circumstances and mitigate disruptions. In the end, a complete consciousness of things influencing flight time between Madrid and JFK permits for a extra practical and adaptable method to transatlantic journey, enhancing effectivity and minimizing potential stress related to unpredictable variations in journey length.
