The great circle distance is the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere, measured along the surface of the sphere (rather than cutting through it with a straight line).

This is worth keeping in mind during the festive season, particularly if you have flight travel planned…

Airlines use the great circle method to calculate flight distances for the purpose of passenger care and assistance entitlement under Regulation 261/2004 on denied boarding, compensation and delay.

http://www.greatcirclemapper.net/en/great-circle-mapper.html

We hope no calculations are necessary this year!

Happy Christmas Aviators!