"If you’ve ever wanted to experience a total solar eclipse from the sky, Delta has you covered this April."
So begins Delta Airlines promotion of its offer of a special flight from Austin to Detroit on April 8, 2024, "specifically for umbraphiles to be able to spend as much time as possible directly within the path of totality."
Thanks to the University of Arizona, we learned that an umbraphile is "literally a shadow lover", but properly applied, one who is addicted to the glory and majesty of total solar eclipses.
"Delta flight 1218 will be specifically operated on an A220-300, which will offer especially premium viewing due to the aircraft’s extra-large windows. The flight will depart from Austin at 12:15 p.m. CT and land in Detroit at 4:20 p.m. ET — timed to give those on board the best chance of safely viewing the solar eclipse at its peak,* according to the Delta website.
Only problem is, as far as we can tell, the eclipse will still be taking place above them and Delta doesn't fly commercial jets with glass ceilings. Still, if it's your jam, you can get your ticket for around $1,000 and enjoy a complimentary drink and a bag of nano-pretzels during your journey.
They say you can find more information at delta.com, but we found it as hard to see as the eclipse will be from their airplane. A Vermont field will work better we think.