Theoretically, there is only one way to near-guarantee a clear sight of the totally eclipsed sun—have a window seat on the lucky side of a plane that’s 30,000 feet up with the path of totality.
That’s precisely what air carrier JSX will attempt to do on Monday, April 8, when its Flight 4824 will take off from Dallas-Love Field at 1:00 p.m. CDT for a two-hour flight that circles the biggest city within the path of totality. There are only 30 seats on the jet—and JSX is giving away 12 of them. Every passenger will have their own dedicated window seat, said JSX.
‘Eclipse Flights’ Trend
It comes after a spate of “eclipse flights” were announced by Southwest and Delta, which have proved incredibly popular. That may have something to do with climate predictions for April 8, which suggest that cloud is a threat across the path of totality in the U.S.—though clouds could vanish just before the eclipse.
How To Win An Eclipse Flight
Six people who enter the sweepstakes online from now through March 14 will win the chance for them, plus a guest to be on Flight 4824. The experience will also include solar eclipse glasses and eclipse-themed cocktails. Dallas Love Field’s Frontiers of Flight Museum is also looking for two local children to go on the flight with a guardian.
The flight will be led by retired NASA astronaut and JSX pilot Bill Gregory, who flew on the Space Shuttle mission STS-67 in 1995.
Rare Opportunity
“With Dallas taking claim as the biggest city in the path of totality, we are thrilled to make this ultra-premium and rare viewing opportunity a reality via JSX,” said Alex Wilcox, CEO of JSX, in an email, adding that the company was “ecstatic to be able to provide travelers with the ultimate JSX experience in tandem with this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.”
Dallas will experience 3 minutes 49 seconds of totality at 1:40 p.m. CDT on April 8.
For the latest on all aspects of April 8’s total solar eclipse in North America, check my main feed for new articles each day.Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
