:The Smithsonian account is measured and undramatic, as you would expect.  Choosing to go with the prevailing winds seems very sensible at first glance.  After all, it took another nine years after the first Atlantic heavier than air non-stop crossing to go the other way (Junkers W.33). I guess low altitude wind patterns may be a bit less consistent overland, but W-E would be your first choice.  The Smithsonion does not say why they changed their minds, but de Leeuw's explanation, that going E-W avoided an early, rapid and heavily laden climb, sounds plausible. I wonder when the first W-E US coast to coast non-stop flight was made.