High above the clouds, Delta Airlines is offering a celestial spectacle in high style. Come April 8, travelers will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse from the unique vantage point of 30,000 feet, as Delta launches a special flight from Austin, TX to Detroit, MI. According to a news release by the airline, Flight 1218 is scheduled to depart at 12:15 p.m. Central Time and touch down at 4:20 p.m. Eastern Time.
The airline has meticulously selected an Airbus A220-300 for the journey, a craft esteemed for its "extra-large" windows, ideal for soaking in the astral phenomenon. "This flight is the result of significant collaboration and exemplifies the close teamwork Delta is known for — from selecting an aircraft with larger windows to determining the exact departure time from Austin and the experiences at the gate, and in the air," Eric Beck, Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning, said in a statement covered by Quartz.
Not all eclipse chasers will be aboard that Austin to Detroit flight, evidently. Delta also listed alternates for those wishing to catch the solar blackout from other locations, including routes from Los Angeles to Dallas and Salt Lake City to Austin. Delta's commitment to the event is clear, with all passengers on these flights encouraged to bring eclipse glasses for safe viewing.
While Delta hopes for clear skies, they concede, that factors like weather or air traffic control could tweak plans. But the opportunity is rare, with this being the last total eclipse to shadow North America until 2044. As reported by KCEN TV, the anticipation is thick — this eclipse will outdo its 2017 predecessor in duration, and the path of totality will be nearly twice as wide. Delta recognizes the gravity of this astral event and, through their offering, imparts a chance for skyward souls to bask, if only fleetingly, in the shadow of the moon.
