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Sydney Roundtrip | See the Southern Lights on an unforgettable scenic flight (17 Mar 2023)

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Onboard a Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, you will head over the Southern Sea aiming for the Aurora Zone, an area around the South Magnetic Pole. Departing from Sydney, this flight will take you faraway from light pollution, high above the clouds and weather systems. Windows in our Dreamliner are 65% larger than comparable aircraft windows, providing an increased sense of space and the opportunity for passengers to see more of the world.

The duration of the flight varies between 10-13 hours, depending on your departure airport and typically it's expected to see a couple of hours of Auroral activity over the course of the trip. Once in the Aurora zone, the cabin lights will be turned off to enable best viewing.

The exact route will depend on the activity of the Aurora Australis on the night. Seeing the Southern Lights from the comfort of the Qantas Dreamliner is a magical and unforgettable experience. Throughout the flights you will receive a full inflight catering service in both business and economy classes. Expert astronomers will provide information en-route about how an aurora is created, as well as pointing out their favourite night sky objects. They will instruct you on how to photograph an aurora and there will be a professional photographer onboard to assist you on how best to use your cameras. This is a unique trip not to be missed!

Photos

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Flight map from Sydney

Inclusions/Exclusions

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  • Seat options from Economy Class-Limited View to Premium Business
  • Two Full-Service QANTAS meals plus snacks
  • Full Bar Service including champagne, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Choose your viewing on the in-seat entertainment system
  • Knowledge and leadership by expert onboard photographers and astronomers

Itinerary

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Departure / arrival times are still to be confirmed and will be advised closer to departure.

Expected times are as follows:

  • Departs Sydney - approx 8:00pm
  • Arrives Sydney - approx 8:00am
  • 17 - 18 March 2023

You can be rest assured that COVID-Safe measures are in place:

We take the health and safety of our passengers and crew seriously during COVID 19. As such we will be undertaking these additional COVID safety measures during your Southern Lights flight, in partnership with QANTAS and airport authorities:

  • In the days prior to departure and for the peace of mind of all passengers, everyone boarding the flight will be required to complete a Health and Safety declaration form.
  • A contactless temperature test will be conducted on all passengers prior to embarkation (depending on transmission rates in the state of departure at the time). Those people with a fever (38°C or higher) will be denied boarding, but, will receive a credit for a future Southern Light Flight.
  • To reduce congestion on board, not all seats in Economy Class will be utilised. This will allow more space for passengers.
  • Each passenger will receive a personal Qantas pack for the flight including disposable mask, sanitiser and disinfectant wipes.
  • There is enhanced cleaning of the aircraft with a disinfectant effective against coronaviruses including during the seat swap process. The aircraft’s air conditioning system is fitted with hospital-grade HEPA filters, which remove 99.9% of all particles, including viruses. Air inside the cabin is refreshed every few minutes, ensuring high air quality.
  • Additional sanitisers will be available on board throughout the duration of the flight.

Dates and Prices

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Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Departing Sydney 17 - 18 Mar 2023

  • Economy Class (limited view) - $1295 per person
  • Economy Class (wing) - WAS $2095 / NOW $1,886 per person
  • Economy Class (no wing) - WAS $2495 / NOW $2,246 per person
  • Premium Economy Class - $3995 per person
  • Business Class - $6395 per person
  • Premium Business Class - $6995 per person

Call us now on 1300 414 198 to secure your seat!

Accommodation

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Providing optimal comfort and space for every passenger is at the core of the Qantas Dreamliner design which features 236 seats - less than most other aircraft of its type. The aircraft is fitted with state-of-the-art technology to reduce turbulence, improve noise quality and reduced aircraft vibrations fora smoother flight. Every seat has been designed to offer the ultimate comfort for long-haul flyers. The windows on the Dreamliner are 65% larger than comparable aircraft windows, providing an increased sense of space and the opportunity for passengers to see more of the world.

Economy Class - Limited View

Limited View seats do not have direct access to a window. These passengers are given priority access to stand in the common areas to enjoy the view. Passengers will enjoy Qantas’s International service. All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner & breakfast as well as inflight entertainment. These seats do not rotate.

Economy Class - Wing

These economy seats are over the wing. This does obstruct views of the night sky however many photographers like the wing as it gives great perspective in images and video. All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner & breakfast. There will be a seat swap during the flight to give everyone the opportunity to get better views through the large windows.

Economy Class - No Wing

These economy seats have unobstructed views from the windows. All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner & breakfast. On the Dreamliner B787’s you’ll enjoy the next generation and award-winning Recaro seat, ergonomically designed for optimal comfort. Everything has been thought of to support your travel needs –mood lights, storage areas, inflight entertainment and even a personal electronic device shelf. There will be a seat swap during the flight to give everyone the opportunity to get better views through the large windows.

Premium Economy Class

Stretch out and relax in Qantas’s award-winning Premium Economy cabin, with luxurious levels of space and attentive service. Seated in an intimate and private cabin, you’ll enjoy the benefits of flying premium with a well thought out seat design, indulgent touches to make you feel at home plus a refreshed menu and an extensive wine list. All while you enjoy magnificent views of the Southern Lights through large windows. There will be a seat swap during the flight to give everyone the opportunity to get better views through the large windows.

Business Class

Enjoy the same wonderful seating and service as Premium Business Class customers. The difference is the seats are situated over the wing. This does slightly obstruct views of the night sky however many photographers like the wing as it gives great perspective in images and video. These seats will undergo a swap to ensure everyone gets ample time in a window seat.

Premium Business Class

Admire wide views in utmost comfort with full international business class service in a Premium Business Class seats. The windows in the Dreamliner are 65% larger than comparable aircraft windows. In Premium Business Class, you will enjoy a super soft leather seat that transforms into a luxurious two-metre lie-flat bed, with a memory foam mattress, two full-size pillows anda cosy duvet. The extensive storage space, wide range of seat adjustments and in-seat massage options will suit your personal needs. And all lie-flatbeds have direct aisle access. The window and adjacent aisle seats will swap throughout the flight to give everyone ample time in the window seat.

FAQs

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What is the probability of seeing an Aurora?

As we are in Nature’s hands, we cannot guarantee a sighting, but there is an over 95% chance of encountering the stunning beauty of the Southern Lights in a magnificent, unforgettable display.

 How long will we see the Aurora for?

As you will appreciate, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, so this can never be guaranteed. However, on previous two charter flights, passengers enjoyed 4 and 6 hours of viewing.

 How does the seat swap work?

We will be doing a seat swap during the flight. As can be seen on the Seat Swap diagram on the Seating Plan the aim is to give passengers in the seating classes that will be doing a seat swap time in a window seat or seat next to a window. Please Note the Economy Class – Limited View category will not be doing a seat swap. The helpful Qantas staff onboard will be facilitating the seat swap and instructing on the cleaning regime required during the process.

What if it is bad weather?

As we fly above the clouds and the weather systems and due to the great navigational ability of the Dreamliner sightings of the Aurora should not be affected by weather.

Where will we fly?

From departure, we will head south aiming for latitudes of 62 degrees south, our ultimate flight path will depend on where we find the Aurora.

What time will we fly?

To get the best Aurora’s we need to fly at night. This means that the flights will depart mid evening and arrive home early the next morning.

What are the Aurora colours going to look like?

The Aurora Australis photographs in this brochure have been taken during previous flights from New Zealand. The naked eye will see them clearly; although modern digital cameras have greater sensitivity and can capture more colours and greater contrast. 

Are there any age Restrictions for the Flight?

There is no age restriction on the flights. There is no changes to the price for adults or children. Please Note this is a long flight for young children and we recommend the trip for children aged 8 years and over. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. 

Can I use or redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points or credits for my flight?

As this is a chartered flight, they do not accumulate or accept frequent flyer points. Any credits held with Qantas can also not be used to purchase these flights. 

Can I access the Qantas Airport Lounge?

Although we are using a Qantas aircraft this is a chartered flight, not a scheduled Qantas Flight. Therefore, it is not possible to access the Qantas Airport Lounge before or after the flight regardless of the seating class you have booked. 

Can I reserve a particular seat?

You can select a seating class but not a particular seat. The Seating allocation will be finalised close to departure taking into consideration all booking requirements. 

Can I offset the carbon emissions from my flight?

As a member of Responsible Travel, the operators have always put measures in place to reduce our impact on the environment. They will be offsetting the carbon emissions of all the Southern Lights Flights.

T&Cs

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Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply. Please note minimum numbers are required for this flight to operate. Prices may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Deposit and Final Payments:

A non-refundable deposit per passenger is due at the time of booking equivalent to: 1. Economy class seats AUD$500.00 per person 2. Premium Economy AUD$750.00 per person 3. Business class seats AUD$1000.00 per person Final payment of your booking balance is required no later than eight weeks prior to departure

Cancellation Fees:

Should your 2022 season flight not be able to depart due to government restrictions with coronavirus, you can choose from either of the following: 1. Transfer to an alternative departure date at no extra cost. 2. Receive a full refund, excluding $75 per person administration fee. 3. A 100% travel credit to use when booking other Chimu Adventures product.

If you cancel, the following fees will apply; 1. Between confirmation and eight weeks prior to departure – full loss of deposit. 2. Between eight weeks and four weeks prior to departure – full refund less 50% cancellation fee. 3. Between four weeks and departure date – no refund Travel insurance is strongly recommended

Amendment/Transfer:

Your ticket can be transferred to another person up to 24 hours prior to departure. An AUD$150 name change service fee per change will apply. This same service fee will apply for change of class. Travel documents Trip information and travel documents will be forwarded to you approximately 10 days prior to travel, providing full payment has been received. Seat numbers Will not be confirmed in advance of the flight. They will be issued on your boarding pass at the departure airport.

Special Note:

A Qantas 787 aircraft will operate all flights; however, other Qantas aircraft may be substituted without notice. Frequent flyer points do not apply. Depending on prevailing weather conditions, the routing and points of interest viewed may vary. Alternative flight paths may enable viewing of many spectacular points of interest, but clear views cannot be guaranteed. If flight booking numbers do not reach minimum numbers, then the flight may be cancelled prior to departure date. Passport identification is NOT required upon check-in. As this is classed as a domestic charter flight, a valid photo identification card such as a driver’s licence is required upon check in.

Photos/Videos:

Photographs or videos of the flight may be used for promotional purposes. Agreeing to these terms online and acceptance of the documents indicates your acceptance and release for this material to be used for promotional and/or resale purposes.

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