BEIJING - Airlines in China are offering seats on flights where passengers can get a clear view of the moon on Thursday, the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival also known as the Moon Festival.

Thursday is the first day of the three-day holiday for the festival.

The moon will be in its biggest and brightest phase of the year on Thursday night and the best time for observing it is from 7 pm on Thursday to 2 am on Friday, according to meteorologists.

Several airlines, including China Southern, China Eastern and Shandong Airlines, joined the promotion campaign, according to sources with the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

To have a better view, passengers should sit on the right side of cabins for flights flying north or east, and on the left for those heading south or west. They should also avoid seats near the wings, according to experts.