The Southern Lights by Flight - Witness the Aurora Australis over Antarctica from the Air
Experience the Magic of Aurora Australis on a Unique Flight
Many travellers adventure far to view the Northern Lights in far-flung destinations like Norway or the Arctic Circle. But did you know that you can witness this stunning natural phenomenon on a flight departing directly from Australia?
Embark on an extraordinary journey with renowned Aurora hunter and astrophysicist Dr. Ian Griffin, accompanied by a team of expert astronomers. Aboard a Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, you’ll set off on a one-of-a-kind flight that will take you southward over the Southern Ocean toward Antarctica.
This exclusive flight is meticulously designed to reach latitudes of 62 degrees south, where the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), displays its most vibrant colors. As you travel, you'll be in prime position to witness it in its full splendour. Your experience will be enriched by expert commentary from astronomers who will share their knowledge. Enjoy the unparalleled comfort of the Dreamliner while marveling at one of nature’s most spectacular light shows.
What to Expect Onboard
The Experience
Spectacular Aurora Viewing: Fly far from light pollution, high above clouds and weather systems, to witness the southern lights in their full glory. Experience a magical and uninterrupted display of the Aurora Australis.
Stunning Night Sky: Along the way, marvel at constellations, stars, and planets as you’ve never seen them before.
Expert Guidance: Learn about the creation of auroras from expert astronomers, who will also point out their favorite night sky objects and instruct you on photographing the auroras. A dedicated photographer will assist you in capturing the perfect shot.
Comfort and Service: Enjoy full inflight catering in both business and economy classes throughout the flight.
Flight Timing and Details:
Seasonal Operation: To ensure optimal viewing conditions, flights are scheduled between autumn and spring, when it gets dark at our destination.
Auroral Zone: We’ll be flying to the Auroral Zone, an area around the South Magnetic Pole. Note that the South Magnetic Pole, which is located south of Australia in the Southern Ocean, is much further north than the geographical South Pole.
Aboard Our Privately Chartered Aircraft:
Unparalleled Aurora Viewing: Experience breathtaking views of the Aurora Australis from the comfort of our specially chartered flight.
Premium Qantas Service: Enjoy top-tier service with premium drinks, delicious meals, and a range of inflight entertainment to enhance your journey.
The Aircraft:
Qantas Dreamliner: The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, our aircraft of choice, is designed with passenger comfort in mind. Featuring 236 seats—fewer than most other aircraft of its type—this design ensures ample space and a more relaxed travel experience.
Advanced Technology: The Dreamliner is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to reduce turbulence, minimize noise, and lower aircraft vibrations, providing a smoother flight.
Enhanced Comfort: Each seat is crafted for ultimate comfort on long-haul flights. The Business Suites and Premium Economy seats offer exceptional luxury and are part of the upgrade planned for Qantas’s Airbus A380 fleet from 2019 onwards.
Larger Windows: The Dreamliner boasts windows that are 65% larger than those on comparable aircraft, giving passengers an expanded view and a greater sense of space.
Prepare for a journey that combines exceptional comfort with the chance to witness one of nature's most spectacular phenomena.
Tour Inclusions
All seating classes will enjoy spectacular views and a memorable round-trip experience with the following inclusions:
Meals and Snacks: Two full-service Qantas meals, along with a selection of in-flight snacks to keep you refreshed.
Full Bar Service: Celebrate your adventure with champagne, wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks available throughout the flight.
In-Seat Entertainment: Choose your viewing options on the advanced in-seat entertainment system.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of an expert team of astronomers and photographers who will explain the Aurora, its formation, and tips for capturing it on camera.
Every aspect of your journey is designed to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience while you witness the Aurora Australis.
Seating Details
Experience the Aurora Australis in ultimate comfort with Premium Business Class service. Enjoy the Dreamliner's 65% larger windows, a plush leather seat that converts into a two-meter lie-flat bed with a memory foam mattress, full-size pillows, and a cozy duvet. Benefit from ample storage, adjustable settings, and in-seat massage options. All lie-flat beds offer direct aisle access, and seats will rotate to ensure everyone enjoys a window view during the flight.
Enjoy the same wonderful seating and service as Premium Business Class customers. The difference is the seats are situated over the wing. This does slightly obstruct views of the night sky however many photographers like the wing as it gives great perspective in images and video. These seats will undergo a swap as per the below diagram to ensure everyone gets ample time in a window seat.
Economy seats offer unobstructed window views and come with full meal service for dinner and breakfast. On the Dreamliner B787, enjoy the award-winning Recaro seats designed for optimal comfort, featuring mood lighting, storage, inflight entertainment, and a personal device shelf. Seats will rotate during the flight to ensure everyone enjoys the best views through the large windows.
Enjoy unobstructed window views with full meal service for dinner and breakfast. The Dreamliner B787 features award-winning Recaro seats with mood lighting, storage, inflight entertainment, and a device shelf. Seats will rotate during the flight to ensure everyone gets the best views through the large windows.
While these seats are located over the wing and may partially obstruct views of the night sky, many photographers appreciate the wing's perspective for capturing unique images and video. All economy passengers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner and breakfast. During the flight, seats will rotate as shown in the diagram to ensure everyone has the chance to enjoy better views through the large windows.
These seats do not have direct window access. However, passengers in these seats are given priority access to common areas for optimal views of the Aurora Australis. Enjoy Qantas’s international service, including full meal service for dinner and breakfast, as well as inflight entertainment. Please note that these seats do not rotate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the probability of seeing an Aurora?
As we are in Nature’s hands we cannot guarantee a sighting, but there is an over 95% chance of encountering the stunning beauty of the Southern Lights in a magnificent, unforgettable display.
How long will we see the Aurora for?
As you will appreciate, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, so this can never be guaranteed. However, on previous two charter flights, passengers enjoyed 4 and 6 hours of viewing.
How does the seat swap work?
We will be doing a seat swap during the flight. As can be seen on the Seat Swap diagram on the Seating Plan the aim is to give passengers in the seating classes that will be doing a seat swap time in a window seat or seat next to a window. Please Note the Economy Class – Limited View category will not be doing a seat swap. The helpful Qantas staff onboard will be facilitating the seat swap and instructing on the cleaning regime required during the process.
What if it is bad weather?
As we fly above the clouds and the weather systems and due to the great navigational ability of the Dreamliner sightings of the Aurora should not be affected by weather.
Where will we fly?
From departure, we will head south aiming for latitudes of 62 degrees south, our ultimate flight path will depend on where we find the Aurora.
What time will we fly?
To get the best Aurora’s we need to fly at night. This means that the flights will depart mid evening and arrive home early the next morning.
What are the Aurora colours going to look like?
The Aurora Australis photographs in this brochure have been taken during previous flights from New Zealand. The naked eye will see them clearly; although modern digital cameras have greater sensitivity and can capture more colours and greater contrast.
Are there any age Restrictions for the Flight?
There is no age restriction on the flights. There is no changes to the price for adults or children. Please Note this is a long flight for young children and we recommend the trip for children aged 8 years and over. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I use or redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points or credits for my flight?
As this is a chartered flight, they do not accumulate or accept frequent flyer points. Any credits held with Qantas can also not be used to purchase these flights.
Can I access the Qantas Airport Lounge?
Although we are using a Qantas aircraft this is a chartered flight, not a scheduled Qantas Flight. Therefore its not possible to access the Qantas Airport Lounge before or after the flight regardless of the seating class you have booked.
Can I reserve a particular seat?
You can select a seating class but not a particular seat. The Seating allocation will be finalised close to departure taking into consideration all booking requirments.
Can I offset the carbon emissions from my flight?
As a member of Responsible Travel, Chimu Adventures have always put measures in place to reduce our impact on the environment. We will be offsetting the carbon emissions of all the Southern Lights Flights.
Contact KCM Travel on (03) 9439 9666 or info@kcmtravel.com.au
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