Contrails do not move sideways at the same rate as clouds are moving. They only appear to move due to perspective and the fact that an aircraft is moving forward.

Airplanes are not unaffected by wind and indeed often face considerable headwinds. However, powerful engines enable them to fly at a consistent groundspeed despite facing headwinds.

Contrails form behind aircraft as a result of hot jet exhaust mixing with the colder surrounding air, condensing water vapour into visible ice crystals forming a contrail. They may appear to trail behind planes or remain stationary relative to the ground in certain atmospheric conditions.