Most people love to travel, but the act of travelling itself is not always so glamorous. Long hours in cramped seats, unexpected delays, and nauseating turbulence can take the buzz out of even the most exciting trips.
However, every now and then, something happens mid-flight that turns an ordinary journey into an unforgettable one. Such was the case for a Sydney woman earlier this month, who flew to Bali on a Jetstar flight on July 16.
She was treated to an unexpected yet welcome surprise as the aircraft flew over the Northern Territory, en route to the popular tourist hotspot about three hours into the journey. Hundreds of kilometres west of Alice Springs, passengers in window seats were instructed to look out the window.
Their view? Australia’s sacred red centrepiece — Uluru, unmistakable even from thousands of feet in the air. The woman admitted she’d never experienced anything quite like it on board a flight, and a spokesperson for Jetstar shared with Yahoo why pilots will often take the special initiative.
“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.”
The spokesperson said that from pointing out iconic landmarks to sharing regional insights mid-air, these “thoughtful touches reflect the pride and passion” the team bring to the journey.
Uluru, our unmistakable and sacred red centre, is visible from some flights. Source: Yahoo News Australia.
What other Australian landmarks are visible from the air?
They revealed what other incredible, uniquely Australian landmarks jetsetters can see from the air.
Travellers flying from Sydney to Bali or Melbourne to Darwin may catch a glimpse of Uluru as they cross the Northern Territory. Those heading from Melbourne to Cairns could see the shimmering expanse of the Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast, while passengers travelling between Cairns and Adelaide might pass over the rugged beauty of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges.
A flight from Hobart to Adelaide can offer views of Victoria’s famous 12 Apostles, and those flying from Melbourne to Canberra often cross the Brindabella Range in New South Wales. The route from Melbourne to Sydney may pass over the alpine ski fields, while the journey from Hobart to Sydney can reveal the peaks of the Snowy Mountains.
And for sports enthusiasts flying into Melbourne on a northerly approach, you might spot the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) just before landing.
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