Nonrevman From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 1289 posts, RR: 1 Posted (9 years 12 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 2247 times:
In search of a future adventure, I stumbled on some info about the flights that Qantas operates to the 7th continent. The flights are 12 hours in length and of course the 747 never lands in Antarctica.
http://www.hideawayholidays.com.au/antarct.html
Has anyone ever been on this flight? Would anyone consider taking this flight? It is interesting and appropriate how the value of the seats are tied in to the best window views. Halfway through the flight, the window seat person switches with the other premium paying passenger. At various points around the icy continent, the plane will perform figure 8's to ensure a good photo taking opportunity.
Positive rate From Australia, joined Sep 2001, 2143 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (9 years 12 months 4 days ago) and read 2151 times:
I was thinking of going on one of these flights too. It is rather expensive though- even for an economy ticket. From what i've heard if you're seated in economy(middle isle) you won't see a thing, so if you want to go it's best to fork out a couple of grand and get a premium seat. I know QF operates these flights every couple of years- the last one in 2000/2001 i think. When will the next one be?
B747Skipper From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (9 years 12 months 23 hours ago) and read 1849 times:
With Aerolineas Argentinas, we offer same type of flights, but they are organized as charter flights by travel agents, and during our summer season which is December through February - I have done some of these flights, they are approximately 12 hours long... many scientists, students, or photographers are the typical passengers.
(s) Skipper
Nonrevman From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 1289 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (9 years 12 months 23 hours ago) and read 1830 times:
These certainly seem like some intruiging flights. If I saved the money to do it, the trip would absolutely have to be in the premium seats. Who could justify being seated in the center section or over the wing on this type of flight--kind of defeats the purpose, wouldn't it? The camera would have to come along for this ride. It does seem a little risky with the weather though. Would they cancel the flight if they knew most of the flight path over the continent was going to be clouded over?
Someday, I would like to see Antarctica. It is still undecided whether or not it would be by means of an aerial tour or if it would involve a cruise that would actually allow contact with the continent. With a good view and a camera, I might be satisfied with seeing some of it from a 747.
B747skipper From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 7, posted (9 years 12 months 2 hours ago) and read 1665 times:
Our 747s are configured for 379 seats, the last Antartica flight, we had some 220 passengers only, I understand that next one they would plan to use the A340 airplanes if the passenger load is not higher.
xxx
With only 250 passengers on board (and they are of the civilized type on such flights) it is probable that everyone is nice enough to trade seats.
xxx
The last one I personally did, the cockpit door was wide open, and passengers came with cameras to tape the overflight of the pole, some with close-up lenses wanted to tape the INS Lat-Long reading as well... nice bunch of people we had on board, many of which were students from France, we supplied everyone with maps during cruise, we had double pilot crew on board, so I went several times in the cabin to point some features on the maps. Over the pole, the visibility was excellent, so we descended to 3,000 feet for about 30 minutes...
xxx
Many passengers associated this trip with a visit of Ushuaia, a city at the Southern tip of Argentina, we had a 737 that took them from Rio Gallegos to their destination were they spent several days...
xxx
Happy contrails
(s) Skipper
AWspicious From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 8, posted (9 years 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 1584 times:
3,000 for 30... In a 747?! Wow! I bet that would have been an awesome experience. I suppose a reasonable facsimile for us Canadians would be a Twin Otter flying over the Yukon :-]
La Carlota From United States of America, joined Jun 2001, 358 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (9 years 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 1541 times:
B747Skipper, any additional info on those Aerolíneas flights? Any link or web site to check?
Thanks!!!
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