Flight Duration Calculator
True in-flight time accounting for time-zone changes. Plus arrival local time, jet-lag direction, and standard turn-around buffer for connections.
Departure
Arrival
Jet lag prep
3 hour westward shift. Expect easier adjustment.
How to use
- 1
Enter local departure date and time (the time at the airport you're leaving from).
- 2
Enter local arrival date and time (the time at the airport you're landing at).
- 3
Pick the time zones for each.
- 4
The result shows true flight hours/minutes plus the jet lag direction.
Frequently asked questions
Because both times are in different time zones. Dubai → NYC: depart 02:00 Dubai, arrive 07:30 NYC. Simple subtraction says 5.5 hours — but it's actually ~14 hours because NYC is 9 hours behind Dubai. Always convert both to UTC first, then subtract. This calculator does it automatically.
Yes — the calculator uses your browser's IANA tz database, which knows DST schedules for every time zone. If your trip crosses a DST transition (e.g. flying into NY in March or November when clocks change), the duration is calculated correctly.
For connections, calculate each segment separately and add. Add layover time (in the local time at the connection airport) for the full door-to-door. Most airlines recommend minimum 90 minutes for international connections and 60 minutes for domestic; budget more if customs/immigration is involved.
Jet streams. The eastbound Atlantic jet stream is strong (~150 mph), pushing planes flying west to east faster. So Dubai → NYC is often 30-60 minutes longer than NYC → Dubai for the same route. Tail winds save fuel; head winds burn it.
Exact for the timezone math. The actual flight duration depends on weather, routing, and air traffic — airlines pad scheduled times by 10-15% for typical delays. Use the booked scheduled times for accuracy, not the calculator's pure math; the calculator helps when you have ONE end of the schedule and need to compute the other.
Help us improve this calculator
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Source: Standard time-zone arithmetic + IANA tz database via browser Intl.DateTimeFormat · Last verified 2026-06. IANA tz database. This tool provides estimates only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Always verify your specific situation with the relevant UAE authority or a licensed advisor before taking action.