Most of the time, we find ourselves witnessing celestial events with our feet on the ground. It’s not like a concert where you can buy a front row ticket to get closer to the action. Well, that’s until Southwest announced its plan to operate flights in the direct and partial paths of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The path of totality of the eclipse is slated to pass across several US states, including Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Texas, and now passengers can book flights to get a truly special perspective of this rare phenomenon.
Photo: muratart/Shutterstock
Southwest Is Offering Flights in the Path of the Total Solar Eclipse Next Year
“Our Meteorology and Network Planning Teams identified the best opportunities for a potential view of this breathtaking sight,” said David Dillahunt, Chief Meteorologist at Southwest Airlines, in a press release. “With our flight schedule, we’re able to offer hundreds of seats in the sky to view the eclipse, and we look forward to showcasing our hospitality on this day while celebrating with our customers.”
Southwest’s Network and Schedule Planners specifically planned the flight schedule that day to coincide with the eclipse. These are the flights that give passengers the best chance of glimpsing the celestial phenomenon, with the first three offering the highest probability of getting a front row seat:
- Southwest Flight #1252: departs Dallas (Love Field) at 12:45 p.m. CDT for Pittsburgh
- Southwest Flight #1721: departs Austin at 12:50 p.m. CDT for Indianapolis
- Southwest Flight #1910: departs St. Louis at 1:20 p.m. CDT for Houston (Hobby)
- Southwest Flight #955 departs Dallas (Love Field) at 12:50 p.m. CDT for Chicago (Midway)
- Southwest Flight #506: departs Milwaukee at 1:05 p.m. CDT for Dallas (Love Field)
- Southwest Flight #1734: departs Houston (Hobby) at 1:35 p.m. CDT for Indianapolis
- Southwest Flight #1682: departs Chicago (Midway) at 1:30 p.m. CDT for Austin
- Southwest flight #3108: departs Nashville at 1:40 p.m. CDT for Dallas (Love Field)
Whether you’re already planning to travel on April 8, or you’re an avid stargazer looking for a special eclipse flight, just visit Southwest’s website to browse flights and book. 