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[–]Goingoutforawalk 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

As the aircraft moves into drier air, there is less moisture to condense into a contrail. This can happen from climbing or descending, and flying into drier air as well.

[–]Questionable 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (1 child)

[–]Goingoutforawalk 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Some of the largest airplanes can dump fuel overboard to be able to land earlier than planned. Max takeoff weight is significantly higher than max landing weight. Commonly long distance flights are above the max landing weight because of fuel load when they takeoff.