Southern Lights Flight March 25-26 2022

[Bindibuys]

This trip report will be heavy on the images/video - as that is what this flight was about.
Originally booked for September 2021 - well you know how that went... So delayed to March, flights done to coincide with equinox.
We flew Syd-Mel to pick up this flight out of Melbourne. We booked Y seats as 1. there was 3 of us, 2. did not want to waste too much $$ if the Event did not appear. 3. ease of access to windows to mount our camera.
I would highly recommend this company - QuoVadis Holidays. No seat swapping, only sells seats in set of 2 i.e
A + C or H & K third person can go in middle or D or F. (he does have a couple of Single seats for next flight)
2023 Southern Lights Flight
Chose row 55 as this had access to 2 windows.
Prices in above link.

Note: will have links to videos provided by QuoVadis and a few of our images, which have NOT been enhanced by any photographic software (don't have any - any recommendations?? )

Once we were out of normal "air traffic" exterior lights on plane were turned off, along with 90% of cabin lights.

 

[Bindibuys]

The white light you will see in some of the images is the moon.

 

[Bindibuys]

 

[Bindibuys]

Was it worth it - Hell yes.
250 photos taken.
They also had 5 professional photographers on board to help you with setting up your camera settings.

Should you decide to go - My recommendations:

Buy a "hood" for your camera and a suction mount

 

[Bindibuys]

Many used the supplied blanket to make a "tent" to eliminate cabin lights. I purchased 2 meters of Black out curtain material and used it, and used the blanket to cover the back of seat entertainment systems - which were a PAIN, even though turned off, the slightest touch of the screen turned them back on, so when seat swapping, a screen would accidentally get turned on - the only down side to the entire experience, the blanket over the screens at least lessened the light exposure.
The fabrics can be pushed up into the crevice between the wall and back of overhead bin.
Inside your "tent" gave you the optimum blackout for viewing, tho even those pax that did not make a tent were having a great view.
Tim from QuoVadis also sent emails with camera instructions so we could practice night shots well before the flight.

As mentioned, I would highly recommend QuoVadis Holidays, it was the little things that made the trip, such as the middle seats being vacant, able to stretch out and sleep on the journey back. Supply of face masks, goodie bags in each seat pocket, professional photographers on site to name a few.

Bucket list item ....... TICKED.

 

[Bindibuys]

To finish off, here are 3 images taken by the professionals.