Delta Air Lines has announced that tickets for its special flight, Delta Flight 1228, intended for viewing the total solar eclipse on April 8, have sold out rapidly. According to a spokesperson for Delta, speaking with FOX Business, the seats were filled the day after the airline revealed the unique journey, highlighting the high demand for this rare astronomical event.
The flight, charting a course from Austin to Detroit, is meticulously scheduled to optimize passengers’ views of the total solar eclipse at its peak, aiming to maximize the duration within the eclipse’s path of totality. Delta’s initiative offers an unparalleled opportunity for enthusiasts to witness the celestial phenomenon in comfort and safety.
This eclipse is of particular significance as NASA indicates it will be the last total solar eclipse visible over North America until 2044. The eclipse will first become visible in Mexico around 11 a.m. local time on April 8, with its path moving through specific U.S. states in the afternoon.
Delta has chosen the A220-300 aircraft for this flight, noting its large windows as ideal for eclipse viewing. However, the airline cautions that flight plans could be subject to changes due to unforeseen factors like weather or air traffic control, which might affect the timing and path of the flight.
Besides the dedicated eclipse flight, Delta also plans to offer prime eclipse-viewing experiences on five other flights on the same day. Safety is a priority, with NASA advising the use of special eclipse glasses to prevent eye injuries, emphasizing that glasses should only be removed during the brief total eclipse phase.
The upcoming eclipse is expected to be more significant than its 2017 predecessor, with a longer duration and a wider path, making it a not-to-miss event for skywatchers and enthusiasts alike.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Fox News
