In a bid to offer sky-high views of April's total solar eclipse, Delta Air Lines has announced the addition of a second flight after its previously scheduled eclipse-viewing journey sold out in less than a day. Following the rapid sell-out of their initial flight which departs from Austin, Delta is now giving another group of passengers the chance to witness this rare celestial event from the unique vantage point of 30,000 feet. The new flight, Delta Flight 1010, will take off from Dallas-Fort Worth on April 8, en route to Detroit post-eclipse, as FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
The airline's decision to add a second flight seems a no-brainer, as searches for the initial Austin to Detroit route spiked by an astronomical 1,500% after tickets went live earlier in February. The increased demand clearly illustrated the public's eagerness to partake in what has been dubbed the Great American Eclipse. Delta Flight 1010 will be operated using an A321neo aircraft, a spacious vessel accommodating more eclipse enthusiasts with 20 first class seats, 42 Delta Comfort+ seats, and 132 seats in the main cabin, according to details shared with Travel + Leisure.
Delta isn't flying solo in this astronomical tourism niche. Southwest Airlines is prepping flights that will cruise through the eclipse's path of totality, and Alaska Airlines has also thrown its hat in the ring. "As long as skies are clear, our guests will have some of the best seats to the solar eclipse on April 8 while 30,000 feet in the air," Alaska Airlines' Vice President Kirsten Amrine revealed to Travel + Leisure.
As the spectacle approaches, excitement mounts for what is set to be the last total eclipse visible over North America until the year 2044. NASA has tracked the solar phenomenon's trajectory, which will first be noticeable in Mexico at around 11 a.m. local time. Its shadows will sweep across the United States throughout the afternoon before bidding the continent Adieu past 5:16 p.m. Delta’s own Lead Meteorologist Warren Weston mentioned to FOX Business about the eclipse's significance and its path. Travelers keen on securing a seat for the sky-high spectacle can look for booking details on Delta's website.
