DALLAS — If you need to fly in the afternoon of April 8, you might want to grab a pair of solar eclipse glasses.
Airlines and government officials say it is safe to travel during the April 8 once-in-a-lifetime event. The Federal Aviation Administration is forecasting 47,137 flights to operate on April 8.
Health officials are warning eclipse viewers to wear protective eyewear, and that doesn’t rule out travelers. The sun’s intense brightness can damage eyes in seconds. It’ll be damaged even quicker at more than 30,000 feet in the air, said Eric Christian, a senior research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and an eclipse expert.
“The sun will be a little bit brighter, but you shouldn’t ever look at it except during totality without either approved eclipse glasses or in the correct pinhole camera,” Christian said. “Even the smallest little piece of the sun sticking out can actually damage your retina. Be very careful.”
Experts say travelers flying along the path of totality, from Mexico into the northeastern United States and Canada, may experience a longer eclipse from the clouds based on how much closer they are to the sun. Totality in Dallas will last just under 4 minutes, though the exact duration depends on location. Christian estimates travelers flying along the path of totality to receive roughly 10 minutes of totality, and a longer partial eclipse.
Several airlines have announced and marketed “solar eclipse flights” which are special flights flying along the path of totality and have the highest chances of a great view from the clouds. Among these airlines is Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Dallas’ JSX.
Christian said when it comes to photographing the eclipse, it is recommended that passengers leave that to the professionals.
“The eclipse is a really unique thing and the best thing to do is to watch it during totality, and let your eyes…
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