Are There Regularly Scheduled Flights Where Passengers See the Sun Rise Twice?
Indeed, in commercial aviation, certain long-haul flights offer passengers a unique experience: seeing the sun rise twice. These flights are not just noteworthy for their length but also for the once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon they provide. Emirates, Korean Air, and United Airlines operate such flights, specifically from the Dubai to Los Angeles, Seoul to Los Angeles, and Beijing to San Francisco routes.
Emirates: Dubai to Los Angeles
The Dubai to Los Angeles route operated by Emirates is a prime example. The flight takes around 16 hours to complete, with the double sunrise visible around the 5th hour of the journey. This route is particularly famous for its grandiosity and the likelihood of witnessing this rare event.
Korean Air: Seoul to Los Angeles
Seoul to Los Angeles is another notable route, operated by Korean Air. With a flight duration of about 14.5 hours, the double sunrise can be observed during the 4th hour of the flight. This route also provides an excellent opportunity for passengers to experience the unique phenomenon of witnessing the sun rise twice.
United Airlines: Beijing to San Francisco
Beijing to San Francisco is yet another route that offers double sunrises to passengers, with the phenomenon visible around the 5th hour of the 15.5-hour flight.
A Historical Context: The "Double Sunrise" Service
The historical significance of long-haul flights is noteworthy. During World War II, Qantas, in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), operated the "Double Sunrise" service. While technically commercial in nature, these flights had a vital wartime purpose and operated for 27 to 33 hours, allowing both the crews and passengers to witness the sun rise twice. This event, symbolically named the "Sunrise Service," reflects the incredible endurance and dedication of aviation personnel during the conflict.
A Personal Experience: A 737 Flight to Anchorage
While this doesn't quite fit the criteria of a regularly scheduled commercial flight, a personal experience on a 737 from Denver to Anchorage stands out. The flight's route took an unusual path, directly north into Canada, leading to a very unique experience. The weather conditions and the twilight-sunrise phenomenon provided an eerie and memorable journey, especially when I had to switch between sunglasses and regular glasses.
Disorienting Nighttime Light in Alaska
Summer flights to Alaska present a challenge due to the night sky's strange quality. The nighttime light in Alaska can be disorienting, making it difficult to distinguish night from day. This experience is particularly pronounced during the summer months, when the Polar Night or Polar Day effects become more pronounced and create a sense of disorientation for the passengers.
These experiences underscore the incredible variety of phenomena one can encounter in the realm of commercial aviation. From long-haul flights with unique sights to historical missions and personal stories, the diversity of the aviation experience is truly remarkable.