Can You Actually See the Northern Lights from a Plane? Here’s What No One Tells You

Ever looked out of a plane window and wondered if those glowing green streaks in the distance were actually the northern lights?

You're not alone—and yes, it is possible to see the aurora borealis from a commercial flight. But there’s a lot of fine print no one tells you about.

In this article, we’re digging into the truth about spotting the northern lights from the air: when it’s possible, what routes give you the best shot, what windows to grab, and why even the most aurora-packed night might look like total darkness from your seat.

Can You Actually See the Northern Lights from a Plane?

Yes. But you need the perfect combination of location, timing, flight altitude, weather, and a little luck.

The northern lights occur when solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating dazzling waves of green, pink, and violet light. The higher you are, the less atmosphere between you and the action—making a high-altitude airplane an ideal viewing platform.

But here’s the twist: most passengers fly right over them without even noticing.

Why Most People Miss the Lights Entirely

Even if your flight crosses the auroral zone, most planes keep cabin lights on and passengers distracted by screens, meals, or sleep schedules.

Meanwhile, the aurora is:
- Most visible at night
- Often subtle to the human eye
- Hard to see through double-paned airplane windows with glare

The lights often appear on just one side of the aircraft—and there’s no onboard alert.

Best Places and Routes to See the Northern Lights from a Plane

You’ll need a flight path that takes you near the Arctic Circle. Think:
- Northern Canada
- Iceland
- Alaska
- Greenland
- Scandinavia
- Northern Russia

Flights between North America and Europe often pass over aurora-heavy zones, especially red-eye flights. Popular routes include:

New York to Helsinki (High)
Toronto to Reykjavik (High)
Seattle to London (Medium-High)
Denver to Amsterdam (Medium)
Boston to Oslo (High)

When to Fly for the Best Shot at Aurora Viewing

Timing is everything.

Ideal Conditions:
- Season: Late September to early April
- Time: Night flights (especially after 10 PM)
- Solar Activity: High KP index nights (above 4)
- Moon Phase: New moon (less light pollution)

You can check aurora forecasts on apps like My Aurora Forecast or websites like SpaceWeatherLive.

Where to Sit on the Plane for the Best View

You’ll want to:
- Sit on the northern-facing side of the aircraft (right side heading east, left side heading west)
- Choose a window seat behind the wing
- Avoid over-the-wing views that reflect light
- Turn off your seat light and screen glow

Tip: use a blanket or coat to block cabin reflections while pressing your eyes close to the window.

What It Actually Looks Like From a Plane

Despite dramatic photos online, the aurora may appear faint to the naked eye. Think soft, wispy streaks of green or pale white light waving across the sky. Sometimes it looks like thin clouds—until it starts moving in surreal patterns.

Travelers describe it as:
- A green fog that dances
- Ghostly curtains blowing in a breeze
- Glow-in-the-dark paint spilled in the sky

Try taking a long-exposure photo with your phone—your camera picks up more than your eyes can.

Airlines That Sometimes Announce Aurora Sightings

Some Nordic airlines do announce aurora sightings in-flight. These include:
- Icelandair
- Finnair
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines

Occasionally, pilots dim the cabin lights and invite passengers to look. But on most flights, it’s up to you to be alert and ready.

Can You Book Flights Specifically to See the Aurora?

Yes—there are charter flights that exist solely to chase the northern lights from the air.

For example:
- Aurora Flights UK runs special tours from London and Manchester that circle Arctic skies for 3–4 hours.
- Finnair and Air Iceland Connect have organized themed flights with aurora guides onboard.

But these flights aren’t cheap: prices can range from $300 to over $1,500 per person.

Is It Better to See the Northern Lights from the Ground or the Air?

From the air:
- No clouds in the way
- Less light pollution
- Better chances even on nights with low visibility

From the ground:
- Full horizon view
- Easier photography setup
- More control over your experience

Best bet? Time your trip so both your flight and your destination give you a chance to see the lights.

Real Passenger Stories

"I was flying from Chicago to Stockholm and glanced out the window. I saw a shimmer of green moving like a wave. It lasted about ten minutes. No one else noticed." — Rachel, Chicago

"On our Icelandair flight, the pilot announced northern lights on the right side. They dimmed the lights and we got an incredible view. It felt like a movie." — Jonas, Reykjavík

What to Know Before You Book

Your aurora checklist:
- Book red-eye flights over the Arctic
- Sit on the correct side (north-facing)
- Check aurora forecasts ahead of time
- Avoid full moons
- Use a good camera for better visibility
- Don’t rely on airline announcements

Final Verdict

Yes, you can see the northern lights from a plane—but only if you’re prepared. With smart timing, the right seat, and a little planning, you might just catch one of Earth’s most incredible natural shows while everyone else is watching a movie or sleeping.