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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