That's what is called a Great Circle route- the shortest possible routing. But aeroplanes can't often follow routes like that because of political considerations or air traffic control reasons (airway routings). Enjoy your flight! Take note how short the night is and work out why. Tell us where you went. And if you ask the stewardess real nice....you just may get a visit upstairs at the end of the flight. Don't give up if they can't let you- ask next flight.