Is anyone else making an "Eclipse Run?"
Jul 29, 2017, 8:29 am
#16
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: DL Million Miler
Posts: 1,963
Flying to Eugene. Booked it six months ago along with the 530am Amtrak that goes from Eugene (99% totality) into Salem on eclipse day, where the station is a 10 minute walk from the viewing party on the capitol steps; then the 330pm train back to Eugene, and flight back out the next day.
BUT Amtrak just CANCELLED the 530am train from Eugene (they replaced the train with a BUS, which might never make it to Salem given that I-5 is expected to be a parking lot) blowing up our plans . At first they said it was due to rail line work, but it turns out the Oregon DOT decided to use the train for an extra run down from Portland that morning - - that train sold out in a day.
Thinking of where to get a handcar: http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225...aa_C_7qigw.jpg
BUT Amtrak just CANCELLED the 530am train from Eugene (they replaced the train with a BUS, which might never make it to Salem given that I-5 is expected to be a parking lot) blowing up our plans . At first they said it was due to rail line work, but it turns out the Oregon DOT decided to use the train for an extra run down from Portland that morning - - that train sold out in a day.
Thinking of where to get a handcar: http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225...aa_C_7qigw.jpg
Jul 29, 2017, 8:43 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Everything
Posts: 129
I am based out of ATL. I think my entire office is playing hookie that day and driving up to the area of totality (2H north).
I am concerned about traffic jams on the 2-lane highways in the mountains.
I am concerned about traffic jams on the 2-lane highways in the mountains.
Jul 29, 2017, 8:44 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: TYS
Programs: Delta Diamond 3MM, AMEX Delta Reserve, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 208
TYS based here as well. Blocked my calendar for the day and have already bought my eclipse glasses! My company owns a restaurant that basically at the end of one the runways, if you need a place to hang out. Totality at 2:33:54.5 pm!
Fingers crossed for good weather...
Fingers crossed for good weather...
I'm fortunate enough to live in the path of totality (TYS) so no travel required. In fact I made sure to notify my manager I will be on vacation that day to avoid being sent elsewhere. Now if only the weather will cooperate. I'd give it about a 50/50 shot knowing Knoxville weather.
Jul 29, 2017, 11:52 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: DL exDM MM
Posts: 762
At this point I am sticking with CAE; 11:45 AM arrival. 4:00 PM departure.
Jul 29, 2017, 12:40 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: DL DM; Hyatt Globalist; etc
Posts: 540
I'm making a weekend out of it: JFK-BNA on Friday evening, coming back Monday night BNA-DTW-LGA after the eclipse.
Fortunately, I have a friend with a guest room in Nashville, so that's all taken care of. I booked the flight months and months ago with a 31 minute layover in DTW, hoping a schedule change would decrease that so I could go back direct. Looking like that's not going to be possible
Fortunately, I have a friend with a guest room in Nashville, so that's all taken care of. I booked the flight months and months ago with a 31 minute layover in DTW, hoping a schedule change would decrease that so I could go back direct. Looking like that's not going to be possible
Jul 29, 2017, 12:47 pm
#21
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,869
My other half lives in Idaho, so I'll be going out there to see it - driving a little north for maximum viewing.
Rental cars out of SLC are outrageous, easy to justify flying straight into his little town. Kayak said rental cars up 1100%!
Rental cars out of SLC are outrageous, easy to justify flying straight into his little town. Kayak said rental cars up 1100%!
Jul 29, 2017, 2:14 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
Keep in mind that your destination may be cloudy on that day, so it would make sense to consider alternate destinations in case your first choice forecast doesn't look good. For PM/DM this could involve an award ticket that can be redeposited at no cost 72 hours prior. Avoid mountain destinations as they tend to be cloudy--unless you can climb above the clouds, which would be glorious!
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/0...om-denver.html
"On August 21, Southwest Airlines is offering three flights from Denver International Airport to watch the phenomenon:
Southwest flight 1577 Denver to St. Louis at 10:20 a.m. MT
Southwest flight 301 Denver to Nashville at 10:20 a.m. MT
Southwest flight 1969 Denver to Atlanta at 9:50 a.m. MT
There are also two additional flights out of Seattle and Portland.
....
All five flights will travel along the path of totality as the sun becomes blocked below the aircraft.
The airline will even give passengers special viewing glasses and “cosmic cocktails” on the menu."
Sounds OK if you have a window seat, but what about folks in center and aisle seats?Southwest flight 1577 Denver to St. Louis at 10:20 a.m. MT
Southwest flight 301 Denver to Nashville at 10:20 a.m. MT
Southwest flight 1969 Denver to Atlanta at 9:50 a.m. MT
There are also two additional flights out of Seattle and Portland.
....
All five flights will travel along the path of totality as the sun becomes blocked below the aircraft.
The airline will even give passengers special viewing glasses and “cosmic cocktails” on the menu."
Considering SWA's no seat assignment policy, pandemonium may reign.
======================
Adding...
"as the sun becomes blocked below the aircraft" ?????
What altitude do you suppose they will be flying at?
Jul 30, 2017, 10:51 am
#24
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: CHS
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 508
I'm another who is fortunate enough to live in the path of total darkness (Charleston SC) so I'm venturing all the way to my back yard that day. 
Someone mentioned their whole ATL office playing hooky and driving north to be in the path of total darkness.... they've actually made the day a school holiday here so kids (and teachers) can experience it together with their families!
Someone mentioned their whole ATL office playing hooky and driving north to be in the path of total darkness.... they've actually made the day a school holiday here so kids (and teachers) can experience it together with their families!
Jul 30, 2017, 12:15 pm
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,072
I'm another who is fortunate enough to live in the path of total darkness (Charleston SC) so I'm venturing all the way to my back yard that day.
Someone mentioned their whole ATL office playing hooky and driving north to be in the path of total darkness.... they've actually made the day a school holiday here so kids (and teachers) can experience it together with their families!
Someone mentioned their whole ATL office playing hooky and driving north to be in the path of total darkness.... they've actually made the day a school holiday here so kids (and teachers) can experience it together with their families!
Jul 30, 2017, 12:30 pm
#26
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: AA Plat Pto, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,538
Flying into Louisville and making a long weekend of it. Plan is to plot weather Sunday night and drive to the most favorable area in Western Kentucky/Tennessee early Monday morning.
Jul 30, 2017, 2:14 pm
#27
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Kingdom of the Sun
Programs: DL GM/MM
Posts: 3,708
We also heading to Charleston (SC). But via flight I-95 (although departing somewhat close to GNV!). Staying 4 days because knowing how things flying across the sky operate, there could be significant delays. Then a few days in Asheville so we can legitimately call it a vacation.
Jul 31, 2017, 6:01 am
#29
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: York, UK
Programs: KLM Gold Elite (You can guess how long ago I lost this status!), LH Senator
Posts: 247
LHR to EWR with Virgin Atlantic. Three days in NYC Then finally spent some miles for an award flight JFK - DEN couple of days in Rocky Mountains National Park before driving to North Platte Nebraska to view eclipse. Then another award flight DEN - LAS Before driving to LA to fly home. It's my 2017 Eclipse Adventure 😄
Jul 31, 2017, 7:39 am
#30
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: MA
Programs: DL DM/2MM Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond,
Posts: 8,907
Road gridlock is predicted in many parts of the country. It is not an event that needs tickets, so officials really haven't a clue as to how many people will attempt to reach the path of totality. Cell phone towers expected to be overloaded with calls, tweets, Facebook posts and photos. Bring cash. Credit card networks may be jammed. Gas stations may run dry so keep tanks full. Bring water and food with you.
And although there will be many hours for people to get into place, then once it is done and gone, everyone wants to leave at the same time!
Out west, in Idaho and Oregon, it will be the height of the fire season. Emergency crews are worried about packed roads.
Be prepared everyone. This is not going to be a drive to the beach.
And although there will be many hours for people to get into place, then once it is done and gone, everyone wants to leave at the same time!
Out west, in Idaho and Oregon, it will be the height of the fire season. Emergency crews are worried about packed roads.
Be prepared everyone. This is not going to be a drive to the beach.