If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing a total solar eclipse from the sky, Delta Air Lines has an extraordinary opportunity for you. The eclipse will be visible over North America on April 8, 2024, and passengers flying on Delta Air Lines will have the rare chance to see the spectacular event up close and personal. Delta is offering a special flight specifically designed for umbraphiles (eclipse enthusiasts) to experience the eclipse directly within the path of totality.

An Eclipse with Delta Air Lines

Envision yourself 30,000 feet in the air, looking out the window at the moon as it angles itself between the sun and Earth, creating a beautiful shadow scene. With their unique trip from Austin, Texas to Detroit, Michigan, Delta Air Lines is making this fantasy a reality. This trip will give passengers the finest possible view of the solar eclipse as it peaks. Delta flight 1218 will be operated by a state-of-the-art Airbus A220-300, famous for its extra-large windows.

Thanks to these large windows, people on board will fully appreciate the cosmic display playing out before their eyes. From the cozy cabin, you can witness the entire eclipse, from the first sight of the moon’s shadow to the awe-inspiring totality.

Eric Beck, Delta’s Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning, highlights the collaborative effort behind this once-in-a-lifetime flight. “Thanks to teams across the company, the idea of viewing a total eclipse from the air will become a reality for our customers,” he said. 

Delta flight 1218 details are as follows:

  • Flight Route: Delta flight 1218 will depart from Austin at 12:15 p.m. CT and arrive in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET.
  • Aircraft: The flight will be operated on an A220-300, which boasts extra-large windows—perfect for premium eclipse viewing.
  • Path of Totality: The timing is meticulously planned to give passengers the best chance of safely observing the solar eclipse at its peak.

Prime Eclipse Viewing Opportunities

If you can’t get a seat on Delta’s special eclipse flight, the company has located five other itineraries that offer excellent eclipse viewing options. Delta has you covered no matter where you are: Detroit, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, or Austin. Keep an eye on these flights:

  • DL 5699: Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to Westchester County Airport (HPN), departing at 2:59 p.m. EST.
  • DL 924: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), departing at 8:40 a.m. PST.
  • DL 2869: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Antonio International Airport (SAT), departing at 9:00 a.m. PST.
  • DL 1001: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to San Antonio International Airport (SAT), departing at 10:08 a.m. MST.
  • DL 1683: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), departing at 9:55 a.m. MST.