Fly Me to the Eclipse: Delta’s Special Flight for Total Solar Eclipse Was a Disappointment

On 8th April, the moon will come in front of the sun to cover it completely for a short time—this is what we call a solar eclipse. On this day, Delta Airlines passengers will get a unique chance to witness this phenomenon as closely as possible!

Delta’s Eclipse Flight Didn’t Offer Passengers The Best View

Updated on 9th April

On 8th April, Delta Air Lines’ passengers anticipated a special opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse from above the clouds. However, despite the pilots’ efforts on the route from Dallas to Detroit, many passengers could not catch a glimpse of the eclipse.

Passengers crowded near windows as the plane made a series of turns. However, the sun’s angle in the sky during much of the flight made it difficult to see much without craning one’s neck. “Did you see it?” asked the people each other.

One of the passengers, Kyle Carter said he didn’t see much of the actual eclipse during the flight, but he was happy with what he experienced.

“What I wanted to see, more than the actual eclipse itself was just the shadow racing toward us from behind. I did see that. You could see the darkness come towards us,” he shared.

Captain Alex Howell mentioned in an interview after landing that he refrained from looking directly at the sun during the flight. However, he observed the sky transform into a “dark version of dusk.”

A special flight to watch the solar eclipse over the US

On 8th April, Delta Airlines will organize a special flight from Austin, Texas, to Detroit. Delta assures passengers of “premium viewing” thanks to the A200-300 aircraft’s exceptionally spacious windows.

When and where will the flight occur?

The departure from Austin is set for 12:15 p.m. CT, with arrival in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET. Delta strategically timed the flight “to provide passengers with optimal opportunities to observe the solar eclipse at its zenith safely”. 

Travelers already on scheduled flights on April 8 will also have the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse. If you are one of them – come equipped with solar eclipse viewing glasses for an enhanced celestial experience!

How much does it cost to see the solar eclipse that close?

The single-way fare for this unique experience is $1,129. The tickets can be acquired through the Delta website.

Delta flights will journey within the path of totality

• DL 5699, DTW-HPN, departs at 2:59 pm EST, aircraft: ERJ-175
• DL 924, LAX-DFW, departs at 8:40 am PST, aircraft: A320
• DL 2869, LAX-SAT, departs at 9:00 am PST, aircraft: A319
• DL 1001, SLC-SAT, departs at 10:08 am MST, aircraft: A220-300
• DL 1683, SLC-AUS, departs at 9:55 am MST, aircraft: A320

The trajectory of totality in the U.S. initiates in Texas and traverses through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

NASA notes that limited areas in Tennessee and Michigan will also witness the total solar eclipse.

Cross your fingers for the clear skies

Solar eclipse experts recommend that, whether on the ground or in the sky, avoiding clouds is crucial for a complete and immersive experience of a total solar eclipse.

Delta mentioned that they can’t control changes in weather or air traffic on eclipse days.

“Imagine it’s a sunny day with some fluffy clouds. If one of those clouds is in front of the sun during the eclipse, you won’t see it completely. So, it’s best to choose a place with as few clouds as possible. Here’s hoping for clear skies next April!” added Espenak, one of the solar eclipse experts.