Plane passengers have unique eclipse experience

Passengers on board a London to Miami Virgin Atlantic flight enjoyed a unique view of the first total solar eclipse to sweep across the US in nearly a century.

Millions of Americans watched day turn to night for a couple of minutes wearing protective glasses, but few got the chance to witness the once-in-a-lifetime experience above the clouds.

One passenger said: “It made such a difference being at 39,000 feet and seeing it so clearly. It was brilliant.”