On April 8, 2024, a rare and spectacular event will take place as a total solar eclipse sweeps across parts of the United States. The moon will pass between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow over a path stretching from Texas to the East Coast. This phenomenon will be visible to over 31 million Americans, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the sun completely blocked by the moon.
As anticipation builds for this extraordinary event, a major U.S. airline has announced a special flight that will allow 130 lucky travelers to witness the eclipse from a unique vantage point – 30,000 feet in the air. Delta Air Lines has added a special flight, Delta flight number 1218, to its schedule on April 8. The flight will depart from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and fly to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, offering passengers the chance to spend as much time within the eclipse’s path of totality as possible.
The airline has chosen an Airbus A220-300 aircraft for this special flight, known for its larger windows that will provide passengers with an unobstructed view of the eclipse. Delta’s lead meteorologist, Warren Weston, highlights the significance of this eclipse, noting that it will be the last total eclipse over North America until 2044 and will last more than twice as long as the 2017 eclipse.
This upcoming solar eclipse is expected to be a major travel event, attracting skywatchers from around the world. TPG’s 2024 Travel Trends Report identified destinations along the eclipse path as high-demand locations, with travelers eager to secure their spot to witness this celestial event. Hotel prices along the path have been soaring, as travelers prepare to witness the eclipse from the ground.
However, Delta’s special eclipse flight offers a unique opportunity for those looking to experience the eclipse from a different perspective. While ticket prices for this flight start at $579 for a main cabin ticket, travelers can also redeem Delta SkyMiles for a seat on the flight, with award pricing starting at 52,000 miles one-way. For those with a stash of miles or Amex Membership Rewards points, this could be a worthwhile opportunity to witness the eclipse from a bird’s eye view.
In addition to the special eclipse flight, Delta has identified several other flights on April 8 that may offer passengers a chance to see the eclipse from the air. These flights include routes from Detroit to New York, Los Angeles to Detroit, Los Angeles to San Antonio, and Salt Lake City to Austin. Southwest Airlines has also noted flights that may offer prime viewing opportunities, including routes from Dallas to Pittsburgh, Austin to Indianapolis, and St. Louis to Houston.
While these flights provide a unique opportunity to witness the eclipse, airlines caution that factors such as weather-related delays or air traffic control disruptions could potentially impact the viewing experience. Nevertheless, for those unable to secure affordable hotel reservations along the eclipse path, these flights offer an alternative way to witness this rare celestial event.
Whether you choose to witness the April 8 eclipse from the ground, from a cruise ship, or in the air, it promises to be a memorable and awe-inspiring experience. As the countdown to this extraordinary event begins, travelers and skywatchers alike are preparing to witness the magic of a total solar eclipse from various vantage points, creating lasting memories of a celestial spectacle that occurs once in a lifetime.