[Viper007Bond]

Commercial flights have actually slowed down for efficiency reasons. They were faster in the '70s.

[steve_musk]

But longer nonstop flights mean the longer flights total time is shorter

[masklinn]

ETOPS also helps a hell of a lot. In the 70s as a twin-engined craft a 787 would have had to remain within 60mn (single-engine speed) of an airport large enough to accommodate it (or 90 under ICAO rules).

The 787 is certified ETOPS-330, it has to be within 6 hours of single-engine flight of an airport. That means significantly less fucky routes.