Delta Air Lines is offering 2024 solar eclipse flight from Austin to Detroit
Viewing a total solar eclipse is cool, but what if you could do it 30,000 feet in the air? Delta Air Lines has you covered.
“The April 8 eclipse is the last total eclipse we’ll see over North America until 2044,” said Warren Weston, Delta Air Lines Lead Meteorologist. “This eclipse will last more than twice as long as the one that occurred in 2017, and the path is nearly twice as wide.”
Solar eclipse 2024: Here are the best Texas state parks from which to see it
Delta has announced a special flight from Austin, Texas, to Detroit, Michigan, during the 2024 solar eclipse. Here's how you can reserve a seat.
Also read: Some Texas schools are canceling classes for the solar eclipse on April 8. Is yours?
Where will the 'path of totality' flight go?
In a press release Monday, the airline provided details for its "path of totality" flight scheduled for Monday, April 8. Delta flight 1218 will depart from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 12:15 p.m. CT and land at Detroit Metropolitan Airport at 3:20 p.m. CT.
The times were selected specifically for the best view of the solar eclipse at its peak.
As with any flight, these times are subject to change due to weather conditions and air traffic control.
Map: See the path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse
What kind of plane will be used?
Delta has chosen to use an A220-300 for the aircraft's extra-large windows.
“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,” said Eric Beck, Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning. “Thanks to teams across the company, the idea of viewing a total eclipse from the air will become a reality for our customers.”
Visiting Austin for the solar eclipse? Make reservations now, officials say
What if I can't make that flight?
If those times and locations aren't ideal for you, don't worry! Delta is offering five other flights that will feature views of the solar eclipse:
Flight | Departure | Arrival | Departure Time | Aircraft |
DL 5699 | Detroit, Michigan (DTW) | White Plains, New York (HPN) | 2:59 p.m. EST | ERJ-175 |
DL 924 | Las Angeles, California (LAX) | Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW) | 8:40 a.m. PST | A320 |
DL 2869 | Las Angeles, California (LAX) | San Antonio, Texas (SAT) | 9:00 a.m. PST | A319 |
DL 1001 | Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) | San Antonio, Texas (SAT) | 10:08 a.m. MST | A220-300 |
DL 1683 | Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) | Austin, Texas (AUS) | 9:55 a.m. MST | A320 |
If you'd rather view the eclipse from the ground, Delta flies to several areas within the path of totality:
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Austin, Texas
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) in San Antonio, Texas
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas
Do I still need eclipse glasses?
Yes, you'll want to be sure to bring protective viewing glasses onto the plane with you.
Solar eclipse guide: Everything you need to know about the solar eclipse in Texas and where to get free glasses
How can I get a ticket?
For booking information, visit delta.com.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Delta Air Lines adds 2024 solar eclipse flight from Austin to Detroit
