- The luckiest flight route is Washington D.C. to Toronto, flying over Niagara Falls
- Three European routes fly over Italy's Karersee Lake, known for rainbow reflections
- Several U.S. flights pass over California's Owens Valley, noted for wide rainbows
A recently released study by flight-tracking company Wingbits has mapped out what it calls the world's "luckiest flights", identifying routes that most often pass over rainbow-dense regions across the globe. The research combines advanced flight data with meteorological analysis, in collaboration with atmospheric physicist Dr Elizabeth Austin, to locate those rare routes where travellers are statistically more likely to soar above one of nature's most enchanting phenomena - a rainbow.
"According to a popular and enduring pilot's superstition, flying over a rainbow brings extreme good luck for the journey," the Wingbits team said in its report. "Inspired by this, our research combined flight-tracking data with atmospheric insights to pinpoint the world's luckiest flights-those passing directly over the most rainbow-dense locations on Earth."
Dr Austin noted that these "special flight paths truly span the globe, from sweltering South American rainforests to the icy fjords of Norway." She added, "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."
Also Read: Which Airline Is The Safest? Top 25 Full-Service Airlines For 2025 Revealed
The World's Luckiest Route Flies Over Niagara Falls
Topping the list is the route between Washington D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). This flight, which crosses the spectacular Niagara Falls - one of the world's most famous waterfalls - was named the luckiest commercial route on the planet.
Photo For Representation Purpose Only
European Skies: Over Lakes, Rainbows And Mountain Views
Three European routes followed closely behind, all flying over Italy's mesmerising Karersee Lake in the Dolomites-famed for its crystalline waters and striking alpine scenery.
After brief rain showers, rainbows often form and reflect beautifully across the lake's glassy surface, creating what the Wingbits report described as a "dreamlike" view. These lucky routes include:
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Dubrovnik, Croatia (DBV)
- Munich (MUC) to Palma de Mallorca, Spain (PMI)
- Frankfurt (FRA) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
Rainbow Sightings Above The American West
The report also highlighted several U.S. routes that fly over California's Owens Valley - a vast, high-desert basin framed by the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. In summer, thunderstorms often give way to crystal-clear skies, creating conditions for expansive, horizon-wide rainbows.
Among the lucky American routes are:
- Phoenix (PHX) to San Francisco (SFO)
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Fresno Yosemite (FAT)
- San Jose (SJC) to Las Vegas (LAS)
- San Francisco (SFO) to Las Vegas (LAS)
Another U.S. flight from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to San Francisco (SFO) also made the list for its route over Yosemite's El Capitan - one of America's most recognisable natural landmarks.
Also Read: Top 10 Airlines Offering The Most Comfortable Economy Class Seats In 2025
Other 'Lucky' Routes Around The World
Beyond North America and Europe, several other flights earned a spot for passing over world-famous natural wonders.
- Brazil's Foz do Iguacu to Sao Paulo route, which soars above the magnificent Iguazu Falls
- London Gatwick (LGW) to Keflavik, Iceland (KEF), offering a view over the Isle of Skye in Scotland
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PNH) to Chongqing, China (CKG), flying over the Huangguoshu Waterfall
Each of these routes, according to Wingbits, not only connects destinations but also gives passengers a possible chance to fly over a 'lucky' rainbow.
