An epic solar eclipse is slated for 2024, and if you plan your flights right, you may just be able to see it from the sky.
The next total solar eclipse will be on April 8, with a path of totality extending through Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. And coincidentally, all these states are on Southwest Airlines' flight paths.
To help travelers best enjoy the eclipse, Southwest announced today they'll showcase flights for prime eclipse viewing come April 8, 2024.
"[Saturday's] annular solar eclipse was an exciting sneak-peak of the total solar eclipse occurring next year, and 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. "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."
These scheduled Southwest flights have the greatest likelihood of offering passengers the best view: Southwest Flight #1252, departing Dallas (Love Field) at 12:45pm CDT for Pittsburgh; Southwest Flight #1721, departing Austin at 12:50pm CDT for Indianapolis; and Southwest Flight #1910 which departs St. Louis at 1:20pm CDT for Houston (Hobby).
Additional flights that have a high likelihood of flying through the path of totality include Southwest Flight #955 departing Dallas (Love Field) at 12:50pm CDT for Chicago (Midway); Southwest Flight #506 departing Milwaukee at 1:05pm CDT for Dallas (Love Field); Southwest Flight #1734 departing Houston (Hobby) at 1:35pm CDT for Indianapolis; Southwest Flight #1682 departing Chicago (Midway) at 1:30pm CDT for Austin; and Southwest flight #3108 departing Nashville at 1:40pm CDT for Dallas (Love Field).
Don't forget to pack your eclipse glasses (though they're not absolutely necessary for viewing the eclipse through plane windows), hope for a window seat, and a lack of any delays that day.