Alaska Airlines Chases Great American Eclipse

On Aug. 21, millions of people across the United States will witness a total eclipse of the sun — an awe-inspiring event where the moon completely blocks the sun, and daytime becomes a deep twilight. Alaska Airlines announced plans to chase The Great American Eclipse with a special charter flight for select astronomy enthusiasts and eclipse chasers.

The flight will depart Portland at 7:30 a.m. and fly off the coast of Oregon, allowing invitation-only guests to be among the first of millions to witness the phenomenon.

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

The Great American Eclipse is the first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in U.S. history since 1918. It will be viewable from above the Pacific Ocean, before appearing in Oregon and following a diagonal path across the country to South Carolina.

While the eclipse will be visible from all over North America, total visibility can only be achieved from certain locations. Alaska Airlines aims to provide the best views from destinations including Redmond/Bend, Ore.; Sun Valley, ID; Charleston, S.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo.; and Atlanta, Ga.