Chasing Auroras: The Ultimate Guide to Spotting Northern Lights from the Plane
If you’ve always dreamt of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights but haven’t quite made it to the Arctic Circle just yet, then we’ve got some exciting news for you! You don’t have to brave freezing temperatures or trek through snow to witness this incredible natural phenomenon—spotting the Northern Lights from a plane is not only possible but also one of the most magical ways to experience the aurora borealis. So, buckle up, because this guide is here to help you make your dream come true without leaving the clouds!
Why Spot the Northern Lights from a Plane?
First things first—why should you even consider spotting the Northern Lights from a plane? Well, here are a few reasons:
A Different Perspective: Observing the Northern Lights from the ground is breathtaking, but imagine seeing them from above. The vastness of the sky and the beauty of the lights below can make the experience feel even more surreal and awe-inspiring.
Increased Chances: Flights to destinations in Scandinavia, Iceland, and Alaska often fly over areas that provide prime Northern Lights viewing. When you're already up there, you’re bypassing much of the light pollution and cloud coverage that can obstruct your view from the ground.
Comfortable Viewing: Forget standing outside in the cold for hours. In a plane, you can relax, enjoy the view from a warm seat, and have easy access to snacks and drinks.
When Is the Best Time to Spot the Northern Lights from a Plane?
If you’re aiming for the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights from the sky, timing is crucial. You’ll want to travel during the aurora season, which typically spans from September to April, with peak viewing times around midnight to early morning. The lights are usually most visible when there’s clear, dark skies, away from any city lights.
Flights flying north, particularly to Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, offer the best chances of spotting the Northern Lights during this time. Aim for a flight at nighttime to increase the chances of seeing the auroras.
Where Can You See the Northern Lights from a Plane?
The best destinations for spotting the Northern Lights from a plane are usually located near or above the Arctic Circle. Some notable destinations where you can catch a flight and hopefully spot the auroras include:
Iceland: With its proximity to the Aurora Belt, Iceland is a top choice. If you're flying from Reykjavik or even Akureyri, you’re in luck. Many Icelandic flights, especially those heading to more northern destinations, offer views of the Northern Lights in winter.
Norway: Flying from Oslo to Tromsø or Bodø provides a great opportunity to witness the Northern Lights from above. Many Northern Norway flights cross the Aurora Belt.
Sweden: If you’re flying to Kiruna in the far north, the Northern Lights can often be seen right from your plane seat.
Alaska: Alaska’s Fairbanks is known for frequent Northern Light sightings, and flights heading towards this city have amazing potential to catch them from above.
Tips for Spotting the Northern Lights from the Plane
Choose the Right Seat: This one is key. To maximize your chances of spotting the Northern Lights, opt for a window seat on the right-hand side of the plane when heading north (this can vary based on flight routes). You’ll want to sit on the side facing north for the best view.
Flight Routes: Look for flights that fly over the Aurora Belt or areas above the Arctic Circle, especially around midnight. This will increase your chances of seeing the auroras.
Check Flight Times: Evening and nighttime flights have the highest chances of spotting the Northern Lights, as these are the hours when the auroras are most active.
Stay Aware of Weather Conditions: Clear skies are crucial. If there are heavy clouds or storms, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights will be slim, so keep an eye on the weather forecasts in your destination area.
Keep Your Camera Ready: Northern Lights can appear and disappear quickly, so have your camera or phone ready. You won’t want to miss the perfect shot, and the lights can appear in waves, so be sure to keep looking out the window.
Popular Flights for Spotting the Northern Lights
Some airlines and routes are more likely to offer an aurora view due to the nature of their flight paths:
SAS Airlines (Scandinavian Airlines): Offers many flights going to northern destinations like Tromsø and Kiruna.
Icelandair: Flights from Reykjavik to northern parts of Iceland or Greenland often pass through aurora-prone areas, offering great views.
Norwegian Air: Norwegian Airlines flies to several Arctic destinations from Oslo and other cities, with flights that head straight into aurora territory.
Air Iceland Connect: Based in Reykjavik, they operate domestic flights to areas in Iceland that have high Northern Lights activity.
What You Can Expect from the Experience
Once you’re up in the air, you’ll need to be patient as the Northern Lights can be elusive. However, when you spot them, it’s usually a magical and surreal experience. Expect to see dancing green, pink, or purple lights swirling across the dark sky. The sight will most likely leave you speechless, even if you’ve been dreaming of this moment for years.
Is It Guaranteed?
While there’s no guarantee you’ll see the Northern Lights, there’s always that chance of magic. The best approach is to keep your expectations realistic while still being hopeful. Many travelers who get lucky describe the moment as breathtaking and worth every second. You could even try to combine your plane ride with other Northern Lights activities when you land, making the journey even more worthwhile!
Hers’s our take:
Spotting the Northern Lights from a plane is an unforgettable experience that brings the magic of the aurora borealis straight to your window. Whether you’re flying to Iceland, Norway, or Sweden, there’s a special joy in watching nature’s light show unfold beneath you while cruising above the clouds. Be sure to pick the right flight, check your seat position, and embrace the excitement. After all, sometimes the best views happen when you’re soaring above the earth.
