NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Among the problems being faced by U.S. airlines and passengers, unusually strong February winds at high altitudes are causing unscheduled landings and higher costs, according to a published report.

USA Today reports that the jet stream, high-altitude winds blowing west to east across the United States, was reaching speeds of about 160 mph, with peaks above 170 mph, for about 10 days ending Wednesday. Normally, the peak winds at that level in winter would be less than 127 mph.

While the strong winds are good news on eastbound flights, the westbound flights are seeing delays and even extra stops for fuel.

David Neeleman, CEO at discount carrier JetBlue, called the high winds a "10-to-20-year event." The paper reports that the wind allowed eastbound planes flying with the tail wind to fly at 518 mph, while the westbound flights were slowed to about 330 mph. That could cause delays and unplanned stops which added more costs than were saved on the quicker eastbound flights, according to the paper. That's because the extra stop adds to the costliest portions of a trip — a landing and a takeoff. As well, it adds to overtime for workers, and might require an airline to placate inconvenienced passengers with vouchers for food, lodging or future travel.

For a look at the rising complaints by airline travelers, click here.