There is nothing like exploring a new city in a far-flung country for the first time. When we think of travelling, it is the moments spent watching sunsets on exotic beaches, meandering down cobblestone pathways in a little village, or walking around a bustling metropolitan city that come to mind. However, a large part of travelling is the actual act of getting to your destination, the actual travelling part.
This part of the journey can often be long, uncomfortable, and tedious. Yet, every now and then, that tedium will be broken when the flight crew makes an announcement, telling the passengers to look out of the window. This happened on a Jetstar flight to Bali, where passengers were treated to the sight of the famous natural landmark, Uluru. In fact, many flights around Australia will present you with the perfect aerial view to spot some incredible local sights.
Uluru Spotted on a Flight to Bali
During a recent Jetstar flight to Bali, the crew instructed the passengers to look out of their windows as they flew over Australia’s Northern Territory. Below them lay the sacred red mound of Australia known as Uluru. For many of the people on board, it was their first and perhaps last time they had ever viewed this world-famous natural landmark. These announcements are rarely scripted moments, but rather are born from the enthusiasm the pilots have for connecting travellers with these awe-inspiring places they are travelling to and over.
The routes the planes take are typically determined by traffic control and fuel planning, and therefore, they don’t take sightseeing detours. However, many of them often fly over special places worth mentioning. It is moments like these that make travelling to your destination just as much fun to experience as the destination itself. In that moment, you become aware that while you are busy watching a movie on the seat in front of you, a whole unexplored world is passing beneath your feet. Even just flying over Australia will present you with many opportunities to catch a unique birds-eye view of some of the most fascinating sights the country has to offer. A spokesperson for Jetstar shared with Yahoo News Autrailia why pilots go the extra mile when trying to highlight some of the world’s speccular scenery. “Their spontaneous commentary isn’t scripted; it’s genuine and often adds an unexpected highlight to the trip,” they said. “We’re proud of the enthusiasm our pilots show, not just for flying, but for connecting people with the places they’re travelling to.”
Interesting Sights to Watch For
Depending on which flight you take, there are many natural wonders that you can potentially spot from your seat. Uluru, for example, can often be seen on the Sydney to Bali flight as the aircraft makes its way across the Northern Territory. Keep a lookout for Uluru around 2.5 to 3.5 hours after departing from Sydney. Parts of the Great Barrier Reef sometimes pop into view on Melbourne to Cairns flights, as well as other northbound east-coast routes. On the Melbourne to Sydney flight, the Alpine Ski Fields can often be spotted in winter. The Melbourne to Canberra route often crosses the Brindabella range, providing a magnificent view of its forest-covered peaks. Other sights to look out for include the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, as seen from the Cairns to Adelaide flight, and the Twelve Apostles in Victoria on the Hobart to Adelaide flight.
Tips and Tricks For Spotting Sights on Your Flight
Try using a flight tracker app or offline maps to follow your route, making note of any potential sights along the way. If you can, try sitting ahead of the wing so that your view is not obstructed and the heat shimmer from the plane’s engines doesn’t soften and distort your photos. To cut out reflections when taking photos, switch off your overhead light, dim your screen, and press your lens flush to the window. Additionally, you should also lock the focus and exposure to the ground, not the window glare. Also, be sure to be considerate of your fellow passengers and don’t use your camera flash.
It is a long flight, and the last thing you want to do is get on your fellow passengers’ bad side. If you find yourself in the aisle seat, try not to lean over your neighbors just to get a shot (at least not without their permission). If you are sitting in the window seat, keep your blinds up unless otherwise instructed by the crew. That way, you won’t stop other passengers from enjoying the sights on the ground below. It’s important to keep in mind that certain sites won’t always be visible, depending on the weather and your location on the plane. However, with a little planning and luck, you can turn your flight into a tour of its own.
The Bottom Line
Flying is often the most boring part of the journey. However, it is a necessary part, so you may as well make the best of it. Take the opportunity to spot some incredible sights that you may never have another chance to see in person. Perhaps it will even inspire you to visit there in the future. Check out your route beforehand and find out what potential sights you will be flying over. Also, keep an ear out for any announcements from the pilot. Besides the occasional update on the flight, they will often point out notable sights along the way. Enjoy your flight and happy travels!
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