Want to view the solar eclipse at 35,000 feet? Fly to the U.S. next April 8
Nature often gives us spectacular events: think, for example, of sunrise, sunset or the northern lights. There are [...]
United Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Delta
United States of America
Nature often and willingly gives us spectacular events: think, for example, of sunrise, sunset or the northern lights. There are some phenomena, however, that in addition to being spectacular are also very rare, such as the solar eclipse: This phenomenon occurs when the sun, moon and earth are perfectly aligned, which is definitely rare because alignment between the celestial equatorial plane and ecliptic plane occurs sporadically. The last total solar eclipse visible from our country was in October 2022 and there is a long wait for the next one: estimates are for the end of 2025.
In this article:
In the United States, but also in Mexico and Canada, they are a little luckier than we are: on April 8, in fact, the Great America Eclipse will occur. This is a truly epic event that many are looking forward to: wherever you are - in the city or in the country, in your backyard or in the office - you will simply look up to the sky and wait for the exact moment when the sun "disappears."Â
The best bonuses
There is, however, an alternative...Imagine being in an airplane, at an altitude of 30,000 feet, and admiring a total solar eclipse: not bad, right? Well, it can be done. Several U.S. airlines are arranging special flights to offer their passengers a "bird's-eye view".Â
First among them, Delta. The Atlanta-based company may be the most focused on special flights to view the eclipse: suffice it to say. the first "eclipse flight" - departing from Austin (AUS) and bound for Detroit (DTW) - launched by Delta last Feb. 19 sold out in less than 24 hours; That's why the company decided to open another flight, also bound for DTW but departing from Dallas, to allow a larger audience of passengers to enjoy a spectacle more unique than rare. Both flights will depart after 12 noon and arrive in Detroit around 4:20 p.m. (local time), just in time to calmly view the eclipse.
Also United unveiled a dozen flights scheduled for April 8 through which passengers could view the eclipse: 5 will depart from Chicago's O'Hare Airport (ORD) and another 5 will take off from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).Â
Finally, also Southwest pointed out a number of flights that - according to the low-cost carrier - will give the best view of the eclipse. There are 3 flights in question: the first will leave Dallas at 12:40 p.m. in the direction of Pittsburgh; the second will take off from Austin for Indianapolis at 12:50 p.m.; and the last one, dulcis in fundo, will leave the Saint Louis-Lambert airport at 1:20 p.m. for Houston.Â
In short, there is no shortage of chances to see the eclipse in flight. It's obvious: the tickets cost a lot (even with Southwest) and sell out but the advantages of seeing this phenomenon through an airplane window are not few. Not to mention, then. In the U.S., the next total solar eclipse will not be seen until 2044...