We have answered the most frequently asked questions about Antarctica Sightseeing
Flights. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please email your question
to us at ant@croydontravel.com.au
How
long is the flight and how long do you
spend over the ice?
The
average flight duration is 12 hours (depending
on your departure point). About three
hours into the flight we usually see
the first sea ice and icebergs. We spend
four hours over Antarctica and the remaining
four hours traveling home.(see
map)
There
is a lot of activity on board, especially
on the way to and from the continent.
Antarctic experts who have lived on scientific
research bases give talks on the environment
and history, and will answer all of your
questions. Video screenings and live
radio link ups with the scientists on
the research bases show what it is like
to live on Antarctica. A cockpit mounted
camera transmitting through the video
systems on board gives you a pilot's
eye view for the entire flight including
take off and landing.
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What
time do you depart and return?
Departure
and return times vary slightly depending
on your chosen departure point. For further
detail, please visit the Schedule
page.
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How
does the seating rotation work?
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 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.
Economy Premium 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 go to Seating.
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.
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Can
I reserve a particular seat?
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.
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What
viewing opportunities do I get from a
centre seat?
While
the Economy 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, with most passengers
sharing the experience.
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How
much can I see from the Economy Standard
section (over the wing)?
The
viewing of Antarctica is out, not down
from the aircraft, so excellent viewing
can still be achieved from this section.
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How
does the weather affect the flight?
We
have 19 different approved flight plans.
Our Captain views the satellite cloud
picture on the morning of the flight
and selects the route with the best visibility
on the day. We have offered excellent
viewing on each of our 77 previous flights.
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How
low do you fly?
|When
over Antarctica we fly at approximately
10,000 feet above sea level, which brings
us within 2000 feet of the highest ground.
This altitude provides excellent viewing
while still respecting the wildlife habitats
at sea level.
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Do
you get to walk on the ice?
We do
not land on Antarctica, primarily
for environmental 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.
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Can
you see penguins and other wildlife?
As
most Antarctic wildlife lives at sea
level, 10,000 feet below the aircraft,
we cannot see them in any detail. This
altitude is required 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.
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Can
we take photographs and videos?
Absolutely!
All cameras are welcome. All the photos you
see on this web site have been taken
straight out the window of the plane.
We are always getting feedback from passengers
who are delighted with their photographic
results - and these are amateur photographers!
We even provide a few fun onboard photographic
opportunities where you can try on Antarctic
clothing or hug a 'life size' penguin.
The information pack you will receive
after you book your flight contains photography
hints and tips.
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Do
you get meals and drinks on the flight?
Even
though this is classed as a domestic
flight, we provide international standard
service on our Qantas 747 - 400. Two
full meal services, snacks over the ice,
and complimentary bar service is provided.
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Am
I too old or too young to join the flight?
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.
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Do
I need my passport?
You
will not need a passport, as this is
classified as a domestic flight and you
will board the flight at the domestic
terminal. However you will be required
to present some sort of photo ID at check-in.
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I need insurance?
Travel
insurance is recommended. Special premiums
are available. Enquire when booking.
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Please 
