An Australia-based company offers half-day scenic flights over Antarctica. Departing from one of five Australia cities, flights are in the air about three hours before the icy landscape comes into view.
courtesy Antarctica Sightseeing Flights
From 10,000 feet —
Flights cruise at about 10,000 feet above ground. "Even at 10,000 feet, you feel like you're almost touching the ice," says Phil Asker, founder of Antarctica Sightseeing Flights. "It shows how unpolluted Antarctica is with its clean air."
courtesy Antarctica Sightseeing Flights
High-altitude views —
Scenic flights circle the tallest mountains on Antarctica's major Transantarctic Mountains.
courtesy Antarctica Sightseeing Flights
Please turn on your camera —
Flights feature seven classes, ranging from the middle seats in economy class to first-class window seats, called Ice Class.
courtesy Antarctica Sightseeing Flights
Chilled art —
Passengers are often treated to mosaic-like floating ice formations.
courtesy Antarctica Sightseeing Flights
New Year eruption —
During this year's New Year party flight, passengers witnessed a volcanic eruption at Mount Erebus.
courtesy Antarctica Sightseeing Flights
Lamer or better? —
Asker says not being able to set foot on the continent has its advantages: "The best thing is simply seeing the world's last great wilderness without having to suffer rough seas and to see it in a short time and in comfort."
courtesy Antarctica Sightseeing Flights
Experts onboard —
In addition to flight attendants, cabin crew includes Antarctica expeditioners who share knowledge about the treacherous landscapes below.
