You Can Still Watch the Total Solar Eclipse From an Airplane

These courtside seats come, oh, once a century

June 28, 2017 9:00 am

On August 21st, 2017, the first total solar eclipse since 1918 will traverse the continental U.S.

And if you’re lucky, you’ll be aboard a special Alaska Airlines charter flight to take it all in.

Announced on Twitter, “The Great American Eclipse” flight will depart Portland early on the 21st and fly along the coast of Oregon to lets its passengers view the eclipse in all its glory. Although the flight is invite-only, the airline is holding a contest to give away seats starting on July 21st.

Although the eclipse’s path of totality will cross 14 states — including Wyoming, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana and North Carolina — we think you’ll prefer the view at 35,000 feet.

“As an airline, we are in a unique position to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for astronomy enthusiasts,” said Alaska Airlines marketing VP Sangita Woerner. “Flying high above the Pacific Ocean will not only provide one of the first views, but also one of the best.”

If you aren’t able to win a spot on the flight, here are some other ideas for where to watch it.

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