THURSDAY NOV 21, 2024
×
Search AeroXplorer
How Do NFL Football Teams Travel?

How Do NFL Football Teams Travel?

BY JAYANT UPPAL Published on November 04, 2024 0 COMMENTS

We are almost heading toward the mid-season of the 2024-25 NFL, with some action-packed games and a few with score differences that made it seem like a long-distance flight. Fans' excitement is brewing, with the curiosity to know how it will turn out. However, we hardly place importance on an athlete's daily life and what they may endure. While the life of NFL players is fancy, there is little we know about how NFL players travel. 

 

We may be led to believe that all NFL teams have private jets, but this is not the case. Only two of the 32 teams—the New England Patriots, and the Arizona Cardinals—own private jets. 

 

The New England Patriots Fleet

 

The New England Patriots have two Boeing 767-300 ERs with the following registrations:

 

  • N36NE
  • N225NE

 

The club purchased the two widebody aircraft in 2017 flown by American Airlines. However, the Patriots do not operate the aircraft themselves. They lease through a partnership with private flight provider Omni Air International.

 

Photo: AeroXplorer | Edwin Sims

 

The Arizona Cardinals Fleet

 

In 2021, the Arizona Cardinals purchased the Triple 777 - a Boeing long-range widebody (777-200ER) with the registration N777AZ, previously flown by Delta. It has transformed to suit the Cardinals' needs. With the ability to carry up to 288 passengers, this spacious aircraft offers a variety of seating options, including 28 first-class and 48 business-class seats, providing comfort and luxury to its players.

 



ADVERTISEMENT • REMOVE ALL ADS


 

The Arizona Cardinals also own a Dassault Falcon 7X, an ultra-long-range private jet used by the owner to transport the executive team. The aircraft can fit up to 16 passengers, with the following registration – N1AZ.

 

Rest of the Clubs

 

The other 30 NFL teams use charter flights for road (away) games.

 

Most teams fly widebody aircraft because of its space and convenience for players to rest, stretch, and sleep well. The country has a land of 3,677,647 square miles, and players must travel not only in style but in peace as well, for they have to be at their best to perform at the games. The three big airlines – American, Delta, and United fly most teams, but there is no doubt that it is expensive for the clubs to secure charter planes.

 

Moreover, a disparity exists because commercial airlines are busy throughout the year with their schedules, and it makes sense to purchase a private jet in such a scenario, knowing the plane will be waiting and ready for the players. However, a club has to weigh its options carefully because owning a private jet could cost around $7-10 million, and to maintain it annually an additional $4-5 million.

 

Photo: AeroXplorer | Andrew Salisbury

 

Top 5 NFL Teams Traveling most in 2024-25

 

According to profootballnetwork.com, some teams will spend more time traveling than other teams this season, as they face more difficult opponents.

 



ADVERTISEMENT • REMOVE ALL ADS


 

The top five teams traveling most this season:

 

  1. Los Angeles Chargers – 26,803 miles
  2. Miami Dolphins – 25,869 miles
  3. Seattle Seahawks – 25,797 miles
  4. New England Patriots – 25,071 miles
  5. San Francisco 49ers – 24,575 miles
 AeroXplorer is on Telegram! Subscribe to the AeroXplorer Telegram Channel to receive aviation news updates as soon as they are released. View Channel 
Jayant Uppal
I fell in love with planes when I was five, the first time I flew in 1994. I travelled from India to the United States of America, from Delhi to New York – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and I have been flying ever since. Now, if someone asks me where do you live? I happily reply-usually, I juggle between airports and in the sky.

Comments (0)

Add Your Comment

SHARE



TAGS

INFORMATIONAL NFLTravelNFLVotesAir TravelThe New England PatriotsThe Arizona CardinalsPrivate JetCharter

RECENTLY PUBLISHED

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Huaka’i by Hawaiian, Special Discount Program for Hawaii Residents Hawaiian Airlines launched Huaka’i by Hawaiian, a free discount program for Hawaii residents. Members can enjoy a whole suite of discounts and benefits, including a free checked bag on all Neighbor Island flights, and either 10% or 20% off one Neighbor Island flight every three months. NEWS READ MORE »
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Announce First Route Changes Since Merger Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have announced their first coordinated capacity change since Alaska Air Group acquired Hawaiian. Let's examine what this entails. NEWS READ MORE »
Porter Airlines Inaugurates New Flights from Toronto to Palm Beach, Florida The new Toronto-Palm Beach route is operated using Porter Airline's 132-seater Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, featuring a 2-by-2 seating configuration, ensuring no middle seats. NEWS READ MORE »


SHOP

$2999
NEW!AeroXplorer Aviation Sweater Use code AVGEEK for 10% off! BUY NOW

FOLLOW US ONLINE