As the April 2024 solar eclipse draws near, a private aviation company is seizing the moment, offering an unparalleled viewing experience from the skies.
For up to $8,000 an hour, enthusiasts can charter a flight directly into the eclipse’s path of totality, where the moon will completely obscure the sun, casting a momentary shadow over parts of the United States.
The event, anticipated to attract millions of onlookers due to its rarity, marks the last opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse in the U.S. for two decades.
China Photos/Getty Images
Jet Access has structured VIP packages that cater for those seeking an exceptional eclipse-viewing vantage point. Corrie Bennett, vice president of marketing at Jet Access, told Newsweek that clients can customize their eclipse journey, whether they wish to observe from the ground at strategic locations or from the air. To ensure a safe viewing experience, the company said it will provide solar eclipse glasses to passengers.
“The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is expecting a tremendous amount of air traffic during the eclipse, so we are urging people who are interested to confirm with their charter operator on the feasibility of flying during the eclipse,” she said to Newsweek in an email.
Jet Access’ bespoke service lets clients select from a fleet of midsize to super-midsize jets, accommodating eight to 10 passengers, with charter costs ranging between $5,000 and $8,000 per hour.
A hypothetical charter from Chicago to Dallas, lying directly in the eclipse’s path, could surpass $20,000 for a round-trip on a midsize jet, considering flight duration and operational costs.
Despite the steep price, demand remains high among eclipse chasers. “We are already seeing dozens of reservations for airplanes to fly into our locations and expect the number to continue growing,” Bennett said.
The company is offering fly-in parties at airports within Central Indiana and Dallas-Fort Worth, areas directly under the eclipse’s shadow. Locations include Eagle Creek Airpark in Indiana, Indianapolis Regional Airport, and Dallas Executive Airport.
When Exactly Is the Eclipse?
Occurring on April 8, this eclipse will be the last of its kind visible in the U.S. for the next two decades, prompting some schools to close due to safety concerns as thousand are expected to flock to locations along the path of totality.
The path stretches from Texas to Maine, including states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Viewers in those locations can expect totality at around 1:30 p.m. CDT in Texas, moving northeastward and concluding in Maine by approximately 3:30 p.m. EDT.
NASA
Even if you’re not among the roughly 31.6 million people in the path of totality, you can still witness a partial solar eclipse, during which the moon’s passage in front of the sun casts a crescent shadow. However, to safely view the event, experts say to use proper solar viewing glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times, especially since direct exposure to the eclipse can cause permanent eye damage.
Uncommon Knowledge
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