Delta adds second solar eclipse flight for April 8, with a larger jet
If you missed your chance last week at a seat on Delta Air Lines’ solar eclipse flight, you may want to head right back to the airline’s booking site.
Delta just announced a second flight for April 8, also meant to maximize passengers' time within the path of totality. And this time, it’s using a bigger plane.
Delta on Monday announced the addition of flight 1010 to its April 8 schedule.
It will depart Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) at 12:30 p.m. CDT on the day of the eclipse, with arrival scheduled for 4:20 p.m. EDT at Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan Airport (DTW).
One week ago, the Atlanta-based carrier announced a similar flight from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to Detroit. Seats sold out within 24 hours, and Delta reported an eye-popping 1,500% increase in AUS-DTW flight searches on the airline’s booking channels.
Now, it’s giving travelers a second chance to see the eclipse from 30,000 feet. This should be a remarkable spectacle as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s face.
There are 31 million Americans set to witness the phenomenon, with even more planning trips to see the event on April 8 — the last of its kind in North America until 2044.
A larger aircraft for this flight
After the 130 seats on the first eclipse flight Delta announced sold out, the carrier is back with a larger jet for this flight.
Delta will operate an Airbus A321neo aircraft for DL1010 from DFW to Detroit.
The aircraft features 194 seats, including 20 domestic first-class recliners, 42 Comfort+ seats and 132 seats in the main cabin.
That’s nearly a 50% increase in overall capacity versus the A220-300 Delta is flying from Austin to Detroit for its other “path of totality flight.”
Related: The best hotel packages for the 2024 solar eclipse
How much does Delta’s eclipse flight cost?
Delta’s eclipse flight from DFW to Detroit won’t come cheap. Main cabin prices start at $739 one-way.
For a Comfort+ seat, you’ll pay $809. A first-class seat costs $1,150.
Hoping to use SkyMiles?
A main cabin ticket starts at 68,000 miles, one-way.
It’s certainly more than you’d typically pay for a one-way domestic ticket. However, if a flight along the eclipse path is a bucket list-worthy experience for you, an award ticket is certainly an option — especially if you have a stash of SkyMiles or points thanks to a Delta and/or American Express credit card.
Seats likely will go fast
If last week was any indication, seats on this flight will likely go fast.
If you’re even considering trying to get a seat on this flight, book it now. Keep in mind, U.S. Department of Transportation rules allow you to cancel a ticket within 24 hours of purchasing it and still get a refund.
Plus, you can typically cancel a Delta main cabin ticket and at least retain flight credit for a future trip, as you usually have the flexibility to cancel award tickets and get your miles (plus taxes and fees) back.
Because the seats likely won't last long, you’ll need to act quickly.
Related: Best solar eclipse cruises for 2024 and beyond
Bottom line
After immense interest in Delta's first path of total flight unveiled for the April 8 solar eclipse, the airline is adding a second flight with a bigger aircraft.
As with any flight, there is always the chance factors like weather, maintenance or air traffic control could cause a disruption that might hurt passengers' view of the eclipse.
But if all goes according to plan, it figures to be a memorable experience for travelers who can land a seat.
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- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.