Frequently Asked Questions

The average flight duration is 12.5 hours (depending on your departure point). About three hours into the flight we usually see the first sea ice and icebergs. We spend approximately four hours over Antarctica and the remaining four hours traveling home.

Departure and return times vary slightly depending on your chosen departure point and also if your flight is on New Years Eve.

Every passenger (excluding Economy Centre & Business Centre) is allocated two Boarding Passes. At the half way point of the flight, an announcement is made asking passengers to move to the seat listed on their second boarding pass. Business Deluxe, Ice and First Class passengers will be seated in a window seat for half of the flight and in a next to window seat for the other half. Premium Economy, Economy Superior and Economy Standard passengers will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat for the other half of the flight. Economy Centre & Business Centre seats do not rotate.

For a simple diagrammatic explanation please refer to our seating plan. It is important to note that while over Antarctica, most passengers get up from their seats and move about the aircraft, allowing everyone on board to enjoy excellent viewing opportunities. The aircraft flies in long sweeping 'figure 8s' over various points of interest to allow these spectacular sights to be viewed from both sides of the aircraft.

You may select a seating class but not a particular seat. Seats are allocated on the best available at time of reservation, however final seating allocation is done the evening before departure when final bookings are confirmed.

While the Economy Class Centre seats do not rotate, ample viewing can still be achieved by walking to any available window space or exit zone. There is a fantastic atmosphere of cooperation amongs passengers as they share the experience. This is unlike any flight you have been on before.

The viewing of Antarctica is out, not down, from the aircraft so excellent viewing can still be achieved from this section.

We have over 19 different approved flight plans. Our Captain monitors the satellite cloud picture in the days leading up to departure and on the morning of the flight and selects the route with the best visibility on the day. We have operated over 100 flights and have been able to offer excellent viewing opportunities on all of them thanks to the skill and preparation of the Qantas pilots and the knowledge of our onboard Antarctic Experts.

When over Antarctica we fly at approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, which brings us within 2,000 feet of the highest ground. This altitude provides excellent viewing while still respecting the wildlife habitats at sea level.

As most Antarctic wildlife lives at sea level, 10,000 feet below the aircraft, we cannot see them in any detail. We fly at this altitude to protect the various species. To experience the wonders of Antarctic wildlife, you would need to join a cruise, which Croydon Travel can assist you with.

We do not land on Antarctica, primarily for environmental and safety reasons. Antarctica is as close to a pristine environment as there is on Earth. The activity of Antarctica Sightseeing Flights has been approved by all Antarctic Treaty nations. Most importantly, you cannot see the spectacular views available from the aircraft when you are on the ground.

Absolutely! All cameras are welcome. All the photos you see on this web site have been taken straight out of the window of the plane. We are always getting feedback from passengers who are delighted with their photographic results - and these are amateur photographers! The information pack you will receive after you book your flight contains photography hints and tips.

We also offer the opportunity to purchase a video DVD of your flight - we take with us a professional videographer who has numerous cameras in different areas of the aircraft to capture every moment.

Even though this is classed as a domestic flight, we provide international standard service on our Qantas aircraft. Two full meal services, snacks over the ice, and complimentary bar service is provided.

You will not need a passport, as this is classified as a domestic flight. However you will be required to present government approved photo ID at check-in.

Please allow sufficient time to transit security dependant on which terminal you will be departing from. We will send confirmation of the exact departure time for each flight to those who have booked closer to the departure date.

People of all ages are welcome on the flights, however we do ask you to consider the following:

• Children under 16 years of age must travel with an adult
• If you are travelling alone, you should be able to move around the cabin unaided
• Parents should remember that this is a very long day for younger children

Travel insurance is recommended. Special premiums are available. Please enquire when booking.

Yes you can. On our booking form there is a section that allows you to add a small fee which will offset your carbon emmissions.

Environment & Community
We care about our Environment & Community - over $500,000 has been donated to the following charities: Clean Up Australia, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Mawson's Hut Foundation, The Mawson Collection, Camp Quality, Make A Wish Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis and Channel 9 Adelaide’s Telethon Appeal.  We also offset (through GreenPower & Climate Friendly) the carbon emmissions caused by our direct office activity and offer passengers the opportunity to offset the carbon emmissions caused by their flight.