This year’s solar eclipse had all eyes to the sky, with two special Delta flights offering a unique view of this rare moment. It also offered one couple the memory of a lifetime.
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While many in North America looked for just the right spot to view a total solar eclipse on April 8, Delta customers and crew on two historic flights needed only to peer out their windows.
The celestial celebrations on DL 1218 from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and DL 1010 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) began in the gatehouses with curated music, photo ops and conversations with Delta meteorologists Warren Weston and Dave Samuhel about what to expect on board the unique flights.
“Delta provided the best experience,” said a customer on the DFW-DTW flight. “It didn’t matter if you were an astronomy expert or a first-time eclipse enthusiast about the eclipse or not, they really made this flight one to remember.”
Running an airline is a true team sport, and these path-of-totality flights were no exception. From meteorologists and flight dispatchers to flight attendants, pilots and airport customer service agents, Delta teams worked in lockstep to create a memorable experience for our customers.
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With all eyes to the sky during the year’s total solar eclipse, Delta people detail their meticulous preparation and devoted involvement ahead of the airline’s first-ever flights across the path of totality.
When it was time to board, customers embarked with excitement and anticipation. The energy was unmatched as Delta crew members welcomed customers through a solar system-themed balloon arch.
Once at their seats, customers were greeted with co-branded goodie bags filled with bespoke items like ISO-certified eclipse viewing glasses from Warby Parker, limited-edition Sun Chips – which were on sale to the general public for only four minutes – and Delta-branded swag including special-edition solar eclipse socks.
Delta also offered exclusive beverages at Delta Sky Clubs along the path of totality. Blackberry Moonrises and Corona Coladas were available in Indianapolis (IND), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG), and Detroit (DTW).
Customers cheered upon take-off and again as they approached the path of totality.
Frequent flyer Paul D. was aboard the AUS flight and shared how he was able to capture several photos from the left side of the plane.
“One of the photos I wanted was the eclipse’s shadow on the ground,” Paul said. “As we got closer, the sky got darker and darker. I looked out the window and the shadow looked like a smear on the ground.”
While many customers were glued to their windows, customer Neil Albstein proposed to his girlfriend Michele Rosenblatt. After two months of planning for the memorable moment, the stars aligned perfectly.
“I could never come up with anything more special to propose to her,” Albstein said. “I wanted it to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so [the flight] seemed perfect.”
Meanwhile, on the ground, Delta partnered with KIPP Paseo Primary and Preparatory School in Austin, TX to host a solar eclipse watch party.
Delta First Officers Seth Linder and Michael Gulley, along with several Delta volunteers, engaged students in an immersive science experience, read space-themed books, and encouraged the kids to dream big.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this experience with KIPP Paseo and expose young minds to science in real time,” Gulley said. “If we can get students excited about STEM early, the possibilities are endless for what and who they can become.”
Although the flight came to an end, the celebration did not. Upon landing in Detroit, customers were greeted by lively music, Delta-branded swag and a meet-and-greet with NASA astronaut Scott Kelly.
“This was such a unique experience and so much fun,” said Paul. “I am so happy to be a part of this moment in history.”
