Million Air will fly you out to view the total eclipse ... for $10,000 a seat

Houston-based Million Air is flying customers into the path of total eclipse darkness for $10,000 a seat.

When its planes land at one of several destinations, the fixed-base operator and charter carrier will put tablecloths on the jets’ wings for a picnic, bust out sparkling wine and snacks and provide eclipse-viewing glasses and special binoculars. An expert will be on hand to provide commentary.

“Instead of tailgating at a football game, we’re going to winggate under an eclipse,” CEO Roger

Woolsey said.

Monday will see the first total solar eclipse to cross coast-to-coast in nearly 100 years. Houstonians will see only a partial eclipse, but 12.2 million people in 14 states will experience a total eclipse, weather permitting.

Million Air is taking its customers to those states and will park its aircraft at smaller airports. It will choose destinations

based on clear skies.

As of Wednesday, Million Air had filled one private plane with customers paying $10,000 per seat. Three of its planes had been booked by individuals.

Woolsey bought eclipse viewing glasses and binoculars with solar filters from Land Sea & Sky, a Houston company that sells telescopes, microscopes and binoculars. Co-owner Chris Hysinger will fly with Million Air to explain what’s happening during the eclipse.

Hysinger is bringing a special solar telescope that automatically tracks the sun, allowing people to walk up and take a look without adjusting the telescope’s position to find the sun. It also allows viewers to see solar flares, sunspots and other features on the sun’s surface.

“People want unique experiences,” Woolsey said. “I just don’t know how you get anything more unique.”