Every time we board a plane, it’s worth reflecting on how fortunate we are to live in an era where crossing to the other side of the world takes just hours instead of months. But if you’re hoping to double your luck and witness one of nature’s most enchanting displays while flying, the flight tracking network Wingbits has compiled fascinating recommendations. In late August, the company released a groundbreaking report developed in partnership with atmospheric physicist Elizabeth Austin, identifying the “luckiest” commercial flights passengers can take—all inspired by a cherished pilot superstition about flying over rainbows bringing extraordinary good fortune for the journey ahead.
The innovative study combines flight tracking data with meteorological analysis to pinpoint flights most likely to pass directly through the planet’s most rainbow-dense locations, offering travelers unprecedented opportunities to experience this natural phenomenon from 30,000 feet.
The Science Behind Rainbow Flight Tracking
“According to a popular and enduring pilot’s superstication, flying over a rainbow brings extreme good luck for the journey,” the Wingbits team explained in findings shared with Travel + Leisure. Inspired by this aviation folklore, the team partnered with Dr. Elizabeth Austin to merge comprehensive flight tracking data with sophisticated meteorological analysis, creating the world’s first map of the luckiest flight paths.
“The beauty of distributed flight tracking is that it captures patterns invisible to any single observer,” said Robin Wingardh, CEO and cofounder of Wingbits. “With Dr. Austin’s meteorological data, we were able to draw from the range of data provided by our global community to find the world’s ‘luckiest’ flight paths. We hope this brings a smile to travellers and perhaps inspires them to choose a window seat on their next journey.”
The Luckiest Flight in North America
After analyzing extensive data, researchers crowned one particular North American route as the luckiest of all: Virginia’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Canada. This commercial flight passes directly over Niagara Falls, offering an exceptionally high probability of rainbow sightings.
“Situated between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, this powerful waterfall complex—made up of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—produces constant mist. Sunlight regularly creates full rainbows, particularly over Horseshoe Falls from late morning to early afternoon,” the report detailed.
The unique atmospheric conditions created by the massive water volume tumbling over these falls generates persistent mist clouds that interact with sunlight throughout the day, creating ideal conditions for rainbow formation visible from aircraft passing overhead.
California’s Rainbow Corridor: Five Lucky Routes
The United States offers more than just one lucky flight path. The research team identified five additional routes soaring over American skies, specifically flights traversing California’s Owens Valley. This region’s distinctive ecosystem—created by the interplay between the desert basin, Sierra Nevada mountains, and White Mountains—produces a higher probability of rainbow phenomena.
“Summer thunderstorms followed by clear skies often result in massive, wide-open sky rainbows that stretch across the entire valley floor,” the report stated. These dramatic weather patterns create spectacular rainbow displays visible from cruising altitude.
The specific California rainbow routes include:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- SFO to LAS
- Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to SFO
These domestic flights offer travelers multiple opportunities to witness rainbows while exploring popular West Coast destinations or connecting through major airport hubs.
International Rainbow Flight Routes
For travelers seeking international flights with rainbow potential, the study identified several remarkable routes spanning continents and offering glimpses of different geographical wonders.
European Rainbow Route
London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Croatia’s Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) ranks among the top European flights for rainbow sightings. This route traverses the Adriatic Sea and coastal regions where Mediterranean weather patterns create ideal conditions for rainbow formation, particularly during shoulder seasons when sun and rain frequently alternate.
South American Waterfall Route
Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) to São Paulo International Airport (GRU) in Brazil offers another exceptional rainbow opportunity. This flight passes near the spectacular Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfall systems. The massive mist production from these falls creates rainbow conditions comparable to Niagara Falls.
“The Iguazu Falls complex generates such tremendous moisture that rainbows are visible year-round, with the most dramatic displays occurring during the South American summer months,” Austin noted in the report.
Asian Monsoon Route
Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Techo International Airport (PNH) to China’s Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) provides unique rainbow opportunities during monsoon season. This Asian flight route crosses regions where tropical weather systems regularly produce the rainfall and subsequent sunshine necessary for rainbow formation.
The Perfect Atmospheric Conditions
All identified routes share common characteristics that maximize rainbow visibility from aircraft. They fly over stunning bodies of water—including waterfalls, lakes, seas, and rivers—that generate optimal moisture levels for rainbow formation. The interaction between water droplets in the air and sunlight creates the refraction and reflection necessary for these colorful natural phenomena.
“These special flight paths truly span the globe, from sweltering South American rainforests to the icy fjords of Norway,” Dr. Austin explained in the report. “Knowing that passengers on these lucky routes have a higher chance of flying directly over a rainbow adds something unique to their journey, and I hope they feel that connection to one of nature’s most uplifting phenomena.”
Tips for Rainbow Spotting from Your Flight
To maximize your chances of seeing rainbows during these lucky flights, consider these expert recommendations:
Book a window seat: This seems obvious, but securing a window seat on the appropriate side of the aircraft significantly improves your viewing opportunities. Research your specific route to determine which side offers better views of the key geographical features.
Time your flight strategically: Rainbow formation requires specific lighting conditions. Late morning to early afternoon flights often provide the best opportunities, as the sun angle creates optimal conditions for rainbow visibility.
Monitor weather patterns: Check weather forecasts for your route before departure. Recent rain followed by clearing skies creates ideal rainbow conditions. Atmospheric conditions matter tremendously for rainbow sightings.
Stay alert during key segments: Rainbows are fleeting. Pay particular attention when your flight tracking app indicates you’re passing over the rainbow-prone regions identified in the study.
Bring a camera: Modern smartphone cameras can capture rainbows surprisingly well. Consider bringing a camera or ensuring your phone is charged and easily accessible during the flight.
The Growing Interest in Scenic Flight Routes
This rainbow research represents a broader trend in aviation and travel planning: passengers increasingly seek flights that offer spectacular views and unique experiences beyond simply reaching their destination. Airlines and tourism organizations have begun recognizing this shift, with some carriers now highlighting scenic routes in their marketing materials.
The concept of “flight tourism“—choosing specific routes primarily for the journey experience rather than just the destination—has gained traction among travelers seeking memorable experiences. Rainbow flights represent one subset of this emerging travel category, alongside routes known for spectacular mountain views, Northern Lights visibility, or coastal scenery.
The Science of Aviation Meteorology
The Wingbits and Austin collaboration showcases the valuable intersection between aviation technology and atmospheric science. Modern flight tracking systems collect enormous amounts of data about aircraft movements, while meteorological satellites and ground stations gather comprehensive weather information. Combining these datasets reveals patterns and opportunities previously invisible to travelers and industry professionals alike.
“This type of interdisciplinary research demonstrates how big data can enhance the travel experience in unexpected ways,” Wingardh noted. “We’re not just tracking flights—we’re helping people discover magical moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Planning Your Rainbow Flight Adventure
For travelers inspired to book one of these lucky flights, consider building your travel itinerary around both the flight experience and the destination. Many of these routes connect fascinating cities worth exploring:
Toronto offers world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and exceptional dining. San Francisco provides iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and proximity to California wine country. Dubrovnik captivates visitors with medieval architecture and Adriatic coastal beauty. São Paulo showcases South American culture, art, and culinary innovation.
By selecting flights that pass through rainbow-dense regions, you’re not just traveling between destinations—you’re maximizing the adventure and beauty of the journey itself. Whether the pilot superstition about rainbow-blessed flights bringing good luck proves true or not, the experience of witnessing this natural wonder from your aircraft window certainly adds something special to any trip.
Explore more unique travel experiences, aviation insights, and destination planning guides at The Inspiring Insight—where we uncover the extraordinary moments and hidden opportunities that make every journey memorable.
