Let me prefece this by saying that I'm not invested financially on this.
Interested in seeing TSE2008, practically guaranteed clear skies over the North Pole for €999?
I got email from Glenn Schneider to the SEML.
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Dear SEMLers,
I beg Michael Gill's indulgence in one final pre-eclipse emailing regarding the TSE 2008 polar flight. As Michael knows I have no commercial interest in that flight, but I have received information from the charter company, Deutsche PolarFlug (DFP) that may be of interest to some on SEML. For that flight, only regular sun-side passenger windows with accessibility from immediately adjoining window row seats were previously offered for eclipse viewing. The aircraft (an Airbus A330-200) has four large exit ("emergency") doors on the starboard (sun) side of the aircraft, and each has one small round window in it. I have both seen and looked (and photographed) through those windows. While they are indeed smaller than regular passenger windows, one can easily get a good view - or even photographs - of the eclipse from those windows.
DPF has just decided to make TWO of those (previously not offered) windows available to any interested eclipse-chasers at a much reduced price relative to the regular passenger windows and seating. They have written that for 999 Euros (not USD) they will make available and reserve an exit door window in the door ahead of row 36 (door "3R", the second last one in the main cabin) or behind row 50 (door "4R", the last one in the main cabin) along with an economy "G" seat for the flight itself. A "G" seat is in the central section of the cabin, not a window row seat - but anyone who might have interest in this will have access to the sun-side exit door window. Both doors/windows are identical, but the 3R door has the wing in view whereas the 4R door does not.
FYI - These exit doors are NOT associated (next to) passenger seats as in some aircraft, but are fully clear of any seats and are used as primary exits from the aircraft. The windows are a bit low to the floor, so you would have to bend, or kneel on the floor in front of the door, but there is plenty of room. Indeed there is a little "shelf" right below the windows in the door which might prove useful. I have put some pictures of, and taken through, the exit door windows on my web site so anyone who might be interested can get a better idea.
nicmosis.as.arizona.edu:8000/ECLIPSE_WEB...IT_DOOR_WINDOWS.html
I apologize that these are not the best pictures to show this, but you really can see very well "up" through the windows (the Sun will be at an altitude of ~ 25 degrees).
DPF says these will be "first come first serve" and only those two are available. If anyone is interested please contact them (not me!) directly at: info@polarflug.de .
Cheers,
Glenn Schneider
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I went to Antarctica on a similar flight and it was pretty amazing. For €999, this is an ABSOLUTE bargain. I put my name down today for one space as I thought a relative of mine could go. Turns out they can't I haven't put any money down so there's no problem cancelling but I thought I might offer it here if anyone wanted. Just email them on the above email and tell them that I (Daniel Lynch) offered the seat that I reserved . I'll formally be cancelling with them this evening in any case.
Cheers,
Daniel
