ATLANTA- Passengers eagerly secured tickets for a Delta Air Lines (DL) flight specifically crafted for observing the upcoming total solar eclipse.
According to Delta spokespersons who spoke to the New York Post, all seats on Flight DL1228, scheduled for April 8 and dedicated to eclipse viewing, were swiftly sold out. This announcement followed the airline’s introduction of this unique flight option for witnessing the total solar eclipse.
Delta Solar Eclipse Flight
Delta has meticulously planned the flight route from Austin (AUS) to Detroit (DTW) to synchronize with the eclipse’s schedule, allowing passengers to witness the total solar eclipse at its zenith safely.
The airline’s goal is to optimize the time spent within the path of totality, ensuring an extraordinary viewing experience for all passengers on board.
According to NASA, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is set to commence its visibility in North America, beginning in Mexico around 11 am local time.
The eclipse’s trajectory is anticipated to traverse specific American states later in the afternoon. Warren Weston, Delta Air Lines’ Lead Meteorologist, stated that this eclipse represents the last opportunity to witness such an event over North America until 2044.
A220 to Chase Eclipse
Delta plans to deploy an Airbus A220-300 aircraft for the eclipse flight, chosen for its generously sized windows that provide passengers with exceptional viewing opportunities.
While Delta has carefully crafted the flight itinerary to maximize time within the path of totality, external factors such as weather and air traffic control might necessitate adjustments. The airline is well-prepared to adapt to ensure the safety and satisfaction of passengers.
NASA emphasizes the crucial importance of using special eclipse glasses to prevent eye injuries during solar eclipse observation. It is only considered safe to remove these glasses during the brief period of totality, which typically lasts only a minute or two.
The most recent total solar eclipse occurred in December 2021, exclusively visible to those in Antarctica. The upcoming eclipse presents a rare opportunity for Americans, as the last total solar eclipse visible in the US took place in 2017.
Other Options
Eric Beck, Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning, expressed,
“The creation of this flight is a product of extensive collaboration, showcasing the close teamwork for which Delta is renowned. This includes the choice of an aircraft with larger windows, the precise determination of the departure time from Austin, and the overall experiences at the gate and in the air. Thanks to the efforts of teams across the company, the concept of witnessing a total eclipse from the air will materialize into reality for our customers.”
Even if you’re not aboard the special flight, Delta passengers will have excellent opportunities to view the eclipse on five additional routes on April 8. Remember to bring your protective viewing glasses if you’re on these flights:
- DL 5699, DTW-HPN, departing at 2:59 pm EST, ERJ-175
- DL 924, LAX-DFW, departing at 8:40 am PST, A320
- DL 2869, LAX-SAT, departing at 9:00 am PST, A319
- DL 1001, SLC-SAT, departing at 10:08 am MST, A220-300
- DL 1683, SLC-AUS, departing at 9:55 am MST, A320
Subsequently, for those who prefer to witness the solar event from the ground, Delta serves many destinations within the path of totality, including AUS, San Antonio (SAT), and Little Rock, Ark. (LIT).
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