United Airlines passenger films spectacular thunderstorm during take-off

It's one of the last things you want to see as you're taking off on a flight - bright flashes of lightning right outside your window.

A passenger on a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Houston last Monday filmed the spectacular weather display as the flight attendant went through her duties over the PA.

She seems oblivious to the massive shots blasting the night sky all around the aircraft, simultaneously enthralling and terrifying passengers.

Despite the danger the aircraft made it to its destination without incident.

Thunderstorms can be extremely hazardous to aircraft and FAA regulations require planes to fly at least 32km from any lightning storm.