Can You See Northern Lights from a Plane?: 1 Minute to Discover the Best Viewing Tips

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon often sought after by travelers and photographers alike. But can you actually see the Northern Lights from a plane? The short answer is yes—under the right conditions, witnessing the aurora from the sky can be even more spectacular than viewing it from the ground.

When flying at cruising altitudes, typically 30,000 to 40,000 feet, you are above much of the atmosphere’s moisture and light pollution. These factors often obscure the aurora from those who are on the ground. As a result, the lights can appear brighter and more vivid from a plane, especially if your route passes over regions near the Arctic Circle—such as northern Canada, Alaska, Iceland, Norway, or Russia—during periods of strong solar activity.

Usually, the best time to catch the aurora from a plane is at night, on a flight heading north, and preferably during the months when nights are longest (from late September to early April). For a higher chance of sightings, choose a seat on the side of the plane facing north, and keep your window shade open. Cabin lights should be dimmed, and it may help to use a jacket or blanket to block out reflections.

As an interior designer, I think about how spaces—even those in transit like an airplane cabin—shape our experiences. Lighting, window placement, and layout affect not just comfort but the very ability to connect with wonders like the Northern Lights. If you’re inspired by such in-flight experiences, modern design tools like a 3D floor planner can help recreate that awe in your own living spaces, by simulating different lighting scenarios and views to evoke the sense of adventure and tranquility you felt above the clouds.

Tips 1:

If you’re planning a flight and hope to see the Northern Lights, check aurora forecasts in advance for increased geomagnetic activity, opt for window seats on northbound flights, and inform the flight crew—they often know if auroral activity is expected and can give passengers a heads-up.

FAQ

Q: Which airlines are best for seeing the Northern Lights from a plane?

A: Airlines operating transatlantic or polar routes, such as Icelandair, Finnair, or Alaska Airlines, often provide the best chances, especially on night flights over northern latitudes.

Q: When is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights from a plane?

A: The optimal viewing season is late September to early April when nights are longest and the aurora is most visible in the high-latitude regions.

Q: Will airplane lights and windows affect my ability to see the aurora?

A: Yes. Cabin lights and window reflections can decrease visibility. Try to fly on less crowded flights and ask to have cabin lights dimmed if possible.

Q: Do I need to be sitting on a specific side of the plane?

A: For northbound flights, choose a seat on the left side; for southbound flights, try the right side. This gives you the widest view of the northern sky.

Q: Can the aurora be photographed from a plane?

A: It is possible, especially with high-sensitivity cameras. Use manual settings, high ISO, and a secure position to avoid camera shake, as turbulence can make photography tricky.