Hand in hand with astrotourism and nocturnal proposals – such as walks in the light of the full moon – that are multiplying in the most spectacular destinations of nature, astronomical phenomena also entered the radar of the tourism industry.
A few years ago, travelers began to travel to observe the northern lights, the midnight sun, the passage of a comet, the approach of planets -Venus, Saturn or Jupiter, to name a few- and, of course, eclipses.
Precisely, the April 8, 2024 will take place the last eclipse solar total what will be seen about North America in more than 20 years. And the celestial event will last more than twice as long as the one that occurred in 2017 and will darken the skies of millions of observers in Mexico, the United States and Canada when the Moon completely covers the Sun, with a wide trajectory that will travel through several states in those countries.
Given this panorama, the Delta Air Lines company will offer the unique opportunity to “live and view the total eclipse of the Sun at 30,000 feet!” In other words: at 9,144 meters above sea level, Delta will give its passengers the possibility of experiencing the eclipse during a totality route flight.
For this reason, a few days ago he launched the flight DL 1218 Austin-DetroitUnited States, so travelers can view the April 8 total solar eclipse from the air.
Spoiler alert: the flight is already sold out! But, quick of reflexes, Delta decided to add a second flight so that customers – at this time they were desperately looking for seats – do not stay to live the original experience.
First flight
The success of DL 1218 was immediate: both the curious and those interested in this type of phenomenon came out to buy the special flight that will depart from Austin to Detroit, operated on an A220-300 and with an especially privileged view thanks to the aircraft’s extra-large windows.
The airline explained that the plane will take off from Austin at 12:15 p.m. and land in Detroit at 4:20 p.m., which will be scheduled to “give those on board the best opportunity to safely view the solar eclipse at its peak, in its peak.”
“This flight is the result of significant collaboration and exemplifies the close teamwork that Delta is known for, from selecting an aircraft with larger windows to determining the exact departure time from Austin and the experiences in the gate and in the air,” said Eric Beck, Managing Director of Home Network Planning.
And he added that “thanks to teams across the company, the idea of seeing a total eclipse from the air will become a reality for our customers.”
Following the announcement of that first flight a week ago, searches for flights on the Austin-Detroit route on Delta channels increased by “more than 1,500%.”
The total solar eclipse will be on April 8, 2024. Photo ShutterstockSecond flight
This Monday the 26th, the company reported: “Due to popular demand and after selling out in less than 24 hours the first eclipse totality route flight, Delta is adding a second flight, which will depart from Dallas-Fort Worth and arrive in Detroit along with the other totality route flight.”
Delta flight 1010 will depart DFW at 12:30 p.m. and arrive in Detroit at 4:20 p.m., along with flight DL 1218 that will depart from Austin.
“While Delta’s flight plans have been designed to maximize time within the path of totality, this is subject to change due to factors outside of Delta’s control, such as weather and air traffic control, which could affect the weather and the aircraft,” it was clarified.
The DL 1010 will be operated on an A321neoa larger aircraft than the A220-300, to allow more customers to experience the eclipse path.
“The A321neo is Delta’s most fuel-efficient aircraft and features 20 domestic First Class seats, 42 Delta Comfort+ seats and 132 Main Cabin seats, all with memory foam padding for greater comfort,” highlighted the airline.
The A321neo will go from Dallas-Fort Worth to Detroit. Photo ShutterstockOther options
For those not on those special flights, other Delta travelers will also have “excellent opportunities” to view the eclipse on five additional routes on April 8.
Therefore, those traveling on the following US flights should also not forget their protective glasses:
- DL 5699, DTW-HPN, departure at 2:59 p.m.
- DL 924, LAX-DFW, salida a las 8.40 am.
- DL 2869, LAX-SAT, departure at 9.
- DL 1001, SLC-SAT, departure at 10.08.
- DL 1683, SLC-AUS, departure at 9.55.
And for those who prefer to watch the solar event from the ground, Delta flies to many destinations that are within the path of totality, including Austin, San Antonio and Little Rock, Arkansas.