A travel expert successfully booked a last-minute flight to witness the recent solar eclipse from 30,000 feet, describing the experience as “incredible.” Nicky Kelvin, a travel and points expert for The Points Guy, utilized 14,000 Avios points and paid just £2.50 for a British Airways flight from London Gatwick to Malaga on a day he initially thought of a way to see the eclipse from the sky. He spent approximately ten hours researching flight paths and schedules, using tools like Flightradar24 to find a flight that would align with the eclipse's path of totality.
Kelvin focused on securing a seat on the right-hand side of the aircraft, which his research indicated would offer the best vantage point. The flight, originally intended for Malaga, experienced a slight delay, which ultimately allowed for the eclipse viewing. As the eclipse began, the captain announced the possibility of seeing it, reminding passengers of safety precautions. Shadows were observed below the aircraft, and as the moon began to cover the sun, passengers reacted with gasps and excitement.
During the roughly 90 seconds of totality, Kelvin reported a jubilant atmosphere on board, with passengers cheering and scrambling for the best views. He noted that many passengers had not booked the flight specifically for the eclipse but were enthralled by the unexpected spectacle. Kelvin compared his experience to specialized charter flights, emphasizing that his method offered a greater sense of challenge and excitement.
The next total solar eclipse is scheduled for August 2, 2027, and will be visible in southern Spain, North Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. A partial eclipse will be observable across most of Europe, much of Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, eastern Canada, and northern Maine in the U.S.
Kelvin offered advice for those seeking similar travel experiences, suggesting earning points through loyalty programs and credit cards, and using services like seats.aero to filter for suitable flights. His successful endeavor garnered praise from viewers online, who commended his planning and the resulting footage.