Have you ever seen the Northern Lights before? This fascinating phenomenon, which occurs near and in the Arctic Circle hundreds of miles above the Earth’s surface, is one of the most well-known and famous natural wonders that are worth making a trip to see.
However, finding places where the aurora borealis can be seen can be a difficult sell when you realize just how isolated and hard-to-reach they can be. There is an alternate way to see nature’s light show, however, and you might end up finding it on a regular commercial flight!
Many transcontinental flight paths around the world take you to or near the Arctic Circle while in the air, and this can provide a fascinating and unique perspective from which to see this “show”.
The so-called “Polar Route” is the most popular path that planes take when flying from North America to Asia. Normally, planes cross the North Pole region at night, which gives you a very possible shot of seeing this amazing light show.
Some flights from Europe to northern cities in North America also offer this possibility, although the chances are usually somewhat lower that you’ll see them.
Try to book a flight with a route near or in the Arctic that happens during night hours, and be sure to stay awake for what could be one of the most amazing things that you will ever see!
Have you ever seen the Northern Lights from a plane before? What did you think?