Looking for out-of-this world views this month? Qantas no-destination flight to see the supermoon sold out in less than three minutes.
At 12 PM AEST Wednesday, Qantas put up tickets to see the supermoon appearing later this month. The two-and-a-half-hour flight will depart from Sydney in the early evening of May 26.
Its destination? Above the clouds and light-pollution-free at 40,000 feet, to provide passengers with the perfect view of the rising of the supermoon.
Originally offered as a covid-safe travel alternative, Qantas’ “flights to nowhere” are selling out at jet-fast rates. Last year in September, Qantas’ flight to nowhere destined for Australian sightseeing sold out in a record 10 minutes.
At the time, it marked the “fastest-selling flight in Qantas history”. This week, of course, that record was triumphed by an unprecedented demand for the supermoon flight.
Ticket prices on Wednesday were set at a steep $499 for economy, and $1,499 for business class.
However, passengers are in for a special treat, as the night will also feature a total lunar eclipse—described by Qantas as “a highly unusual double act”.
The supermoon will appear 8 per cent bigger than the average full moon, as it will be at its closest point to Earth. Further, as the New Moon falls between the Earth and the Sun, an eclipse will occur, causing the Earth’s shadow to cast a reddish hue onto the Moon.
Qantas has dubbed the flight a “two-and-a-half-hour sojourn through the southern sky”, which will take place onboard the B787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Most importantly, Qantas will theme its catering on all things astronomy. Passengers are promised delightful “cosmic cocktails and supermoon cakes”. If the treats are as delicious as they sound, there’s a small but genuine risk they may outshine the views.
I really wanna do the @Qantas flight to nowhere. like let me just sit on a plane for 7 hrs (after the 14 to get there). I need out of the house.
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) September 18, 2020
Passengers will be accompanied by CSIRO astronomer, Dr Vanessa Moss, who will give commentary and answer questions on the spectacular views.
Qantas enlisted Dr Moss to plan the perfect flight path, ensuring optimal views of this astronomical event.
Qantas’ “flights to nowhere” is not, however, without criticism.
In September of 2020, just as Qantas sold out their first flight to nowhere, Singapore Airlines cancelled a roundabout flight following a statement from the SG Climate Rally.
The statement noted that they no-destination flights encourage “carbon-intensive travel for no good-reason”. Certainly, in the midst of a climate crisis, the airline and tourism industry should consider making valuable shifts towards more environmentally conscious travel.
Are all @Qantas flights to nowhere mandatory #CO2 offset? If not, why not? And even flying at low altitudes meaning it’s even more inefficient! #ClimateChange #ClimateActionNow
— 🔋SydEV 🌿💧 #FSDBetaAU #FSDBetaOZ (@sydney_ev) October 9, 2020
