Solar Eclipse 2024: Special flights operating through eclipse path of totality

View of the total solar eclipse from a commercial flight - AFP via Getty Images via Forbes

In a captivating move that has sparked the interest of stargazers and adventurers, Delta Air Lines is organizing two special flights to allow passengers to witness today's total solar eclipse from an optimal vantage point. The flights DAL1010 from Detroit, MI (DTW / KDTW) to Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (DFW / KDFW), and DAL1218 from Detroit, MI (DTW / KDTW) to Austin, TX (AUS / KAUS), quickly sold out within 24 hours.

These flights were carefully selected to intercept the eclipse path, with a memorable detour over southeast Missouri planned to offer the best viewing experience. During the route, the aircraft will execute a precise 30-degree bank on each side, granting passengers a rare four-minute glimpse of the eclipse.

America's Total Eclipse

Source: Storm Trackers

Today's solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America to experience totality will be Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. Additionally, NASA’s WB-57 Canberra high-altitude research aircraft will follow the path of totality.

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The WB-57 is a mid-wing, long-range aircraft capable of operating for extended periods from sea level to altitudes over 60,000 feet. Two crew members are positioned at separate tandem stations in the forward section of the fuselage. The pilot station contains all the essential equipment for flying the aircraft, while the sensor equipment operator (SEO) station contains both navigational equipment and controls for the operation of the payloads that are located throughout the aircraft. The WB-57 can fly for approximately 6.5 hours, range approximately 2500 miles, and carry up to 8,800 lbs of payload.

Nonetheless, Delta isn't the only airline that has capitalized on this astronomical event. Air Canada and United Airlines also offer flights that allow passengers to witness the solar eclipse from the sky.

Track DAL1010 on RadarBox 

Track DAL1218 on RadarBox

NASA’s WB-57 Canberra on RadarBox

Other flights that will have a privileged view of the solar eclipse:

American Airlines flight AA1963 from Dallas to Montreal 

United Airlines flight UA6106 from Houston to Detroit 

Air Canada flight AC1738 from Austin to Toronto Pearson International Airport 

Air Canada flight AC596 from Houston to Toronto Pearson International Airport 

Air Canada flight AC1358 from Monterrey to Toronto Pearson International Airport 

Air Canada flight AC1358 from Austin to Toronto Pearson International Airport 

Air Canada flight AC1070 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Montréal

Passengers will be provided with specialized glasses to ensure eye safety during the total solar eclipse, visible from Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.

"I think we're going to be able to provide a unique experience," said Captain Phil Marshall, who will pilot the flight alongside Captain Phil Daniels. The challenge of synchronizing the flights with the moon's swift shadow, which travels across the United States at over 1,500 miles per hour, rests on Delta's operations and customer center. Flight Superintendent Erin Wehrman and her team are responsible for guiding the planes from point A to point B and aligning with the eclipse. "We're traveling about 400 miles per hour, so the sun will catch up. So we're taking off before it even hit the U.S. border on the south end, and it will catch up to us," said Wehrman.

Weather conditions also play a crucial role in the day's success. Delta meteorologist Warren Weston is prepared to navigate the flights above any potential cloud cover, ensuring a clear eclipse view. Meanwhile, pilots are eagerly preparing for what promises to be the flight of a lifetime. "This is fantastic for me," said Marshall. "It's always, every day's like a dream come true for us as pilots."

Watch it live with CaliPlanes directly from Houston, USA:

And watch the total solar eclipse with directly from Ontario, Canada: 

Watch the eclipse directly from Lakeland, Florida: 

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