Passengers are being given a rare opportunity to get an up-close view of the Northern Lights (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a sight that many people dream of witnessing. While some lucky Brits have been able to see the natural spectacle from their own backyards this year, others haven’t been so fortunate due to factors like light pollution or simply sleeping through the event. This breathtaking display of nature is caused by electrically-charged particles from the sun entering Earth’s atmosphere. Although it can be seen from the UK depending on light and cloud conditions, the best views are typically found in Nordic countries. However, you don’t need to shell out thousands for a trip abroad to experience this wonder. A unique opportunity is being offered to passengers who want to get a closer look at the Northern Lights. Special night flights will be departing from various UK airports throughout winter and into early 2025, providing an unparalleled view of the phenomenon. READ MORE: Antler’s ‘dream’ suitcase that ‘perfectly meets Ryanair rules’ gets major £50 price cut READ MORE: Save 25% on Antler’s underseat cabin bag that can save you from luggage fines
Thrillseekers can get a special view of the Northern Lights with new travel deal
(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
These special three to three-and-a-half-hour round trips are scheduled to depart from regional airports including Manchester, Gatwick and Birmingham in November 2024 and March 2025. The cost is £249 per person based on two travelling via Virgin Experiences, reports Wales Online. Single travellers can also book through Omega Breaks at the same price. Passengers can gaze at the stars like never before on special flights led by Pete Lawrence, an expert astronomer and a familiar face from BBC’s Sky at Night, ready to guide them through the cosmic sights outside their windows. Organisers tout the unique experience saying: “Our flight excursions are perhaps the easiest and most affordable way to see this natural phenomenon. The Aurora’s appearance can vary from a weak glow to a breathtaking, sky-filling display, and even though the best views may be had from ground level, visibility can be hampered by surrounding light pollution, bad weather or an inconveniently cloudy night. Our flight excursions endeavour to eliminate these factors, aiming to improve chances of viewing this spectacle.” Ensuring passengers catch the best glimpse of the aurora borealis, the cabin is darkened post-takeoff so all on board can adjust their eyes for optimal viewing. Seat swapping occurs periodically during the flight, ensuring equitable enjoyment among all, and once everyone has had their fill of astral beauty, lights flicker back on for a service of refreshments on the homeward leg. For the past 25 years, astronomy enthusiasts have been thrilled by Omega Breaks’ Northern Lights flights, which offer a chance to witness the stunning celestial display. Rated ‘Great’ on Trustpilot with a commendable 4-star average from 381 reviews, these excursions continue to mesmerise customers. One delighted traveller shared their ‘phenomenal’ experience: “A fantastic flight, all well organised even down to the black tape to blackout lights in the plane. We saw great show of the northern lights, cosmic dust and all the star constellations. Great.”
Passengers are being given a rare opportunity to get an up-close view of the Northern Lights
(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
While seeing the Northern Lights can’t be guaranteed due to nature’s unpredictability, disappointments were clear among those who missed out. One person expressed: “Disappointing, as we did not get to see the lights, just a grey outline, nature is full of surprises!” Another reviewer recounted: “All went well with the flight, the expert did his excellent best, but sadly the Aurora wasn’t performing well. No spectacular displays just an arch shaped whitish glow above the horizon.” Still, even those whose sights were less glowing praised the informative astronomer and the stellar views. A reviewer concluded: “We had an interesting talk about what we might expect to see and then a comfortable flight. We saw the constellations and the milky way, all explained to us by an expert. Unfortunately, no Aurora Borealis on this trip but the stars were great compensation.” Virgin is offering a gift-wrapped presentation box for those booking the experience, making it an ideal Christmas or birthday present. For those willing to splurge a bit more, TUI is currently offering discounted two and three-night trips to see the Northern Lights in Norway, Iceland, and other locations. Prices start from £450 per person for a three-night trip based on two people sharing. Another alternative is booking a city break to Reykjavik in Iceland with an optional Northern Lights tour through Wowcher, with deals starting from as little as £149 per person.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravelShopping
