You Could Win a Seat On Alaska Airlines’ Great American Eclipse Flight in August

On August 21, while most Oregonians will be viewing the total eclipse from the safety of land, Alaska Airlines is offering a few lucky people the chance to see the eclipse from over 35,000 feet in the air.

The idea came from a group of astronomers who managed to persuade Alaska Airlines to change the departure time for a flight from Anchorage to Honolulu last year, allowing passengers to view a solar eclipse.

This year's flight will offer 50 eclipse-hunters a seat, though you won't be able to book a seat online. The flight is by invitation-only for astronomers and "serious eclipse-chasers," though the airline is offering a prize of two seats in a contest that starts July 21 on Alaska Airlines' social media channels. Just don't forget your official eclipse viewing glasses.

"Flying high above the Pacific Ocean will not only provide one of the first views, but also one of the best," said Sangita Woerner, Alaska's vice president of marketing.

The eclipse, which begins on the Oregon coast, will see the sun vanish behind the moon, temperatures drop and the sky grow dark. This will be the first total solar eclipse in nearly 100 years.

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You Could Win a Seat On Alaska Airlines’ Great American Eclipse Flight in August

But the airline is offering a prize of two seats in a contest starting July 21.