The logistics behind transporting a National Football League (NFL) team from city to city are complex and meticulously planned. With 32 teams in the league, each consisting of 53 active roster players, coaches, support staff, and tons of equipment, moving an NFL team is a logistical feat that goes beyond booking a few plane tickets. Here's an in-depth look at how NFL teams manage their travel operations and the planes they use.
NFL teams' complex travel schedules
NFL teams start planning their travel schedules months before the season begins. The league releases the official game schedule in the spring, and team travel coordinators spring into action. They work with airlines, hotels, and local transportation companies to secure accommodation and flights. You can't imagine what a massive undertaking this is. Special dietary meals for the athletes need to be prepared, equipment needs to be transported to and from, plus transportation for support staff like coaches, trainers, medical staff and management. Also, consider the human cargo being transported: the athlete. Your average NFL player can't cram himself in an economy-sized seat for a cross-country flight without an impact on his performance the following day.
Charter flights simplify NFL team travel
Chartering a specialized aircraft is probably the most logical solution when it comes to transporting an NFL team, and you're right; many teams choose this option. These planes are often reconfigured with fewer seats, allowing for more legroom and additional amenities. First-class seats may be allocated to star players or those with seniority.
On some occasions, teams may even charter more than one flight if the number of personnel and equipment exceeds the capacity of a single aircraft. Team doctors, medical staff, and nutritionists are also on board to provide care and ensure optimal performance. This was pretty much the standard way to travel until 2017.
Airlines crunch numbers on NFL team transport
In 2017, American Airlines announced it was ending its partnership with six NFL teams. According to Forbes Magazine, American ended the agreement to fly the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it decided to continue transporting three teams: the Carolina Panthers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The consensus opinion was that by partnering with the NFL for charter services, American was losing the money it could make by having those planes part of its more regular fleet (commercial, charter or otherwise). Adding to the fact that not every NFL team has an airline hub in its city, American Airlines had to fly an empty plane back to a city that does (which was the case in New Orleans). The teams they continued to service all had American hubs of some sort in their own cities. Some of the dropped cities have American hubs (like Miami), so one can only speculate on the granular reasons behind the decision, but it's safe to say that it all boils down to money.
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Posts 1 The Patriots buy a plane as others find smaller charters
In response to this dilemma, some NFL teams decided to charter with smaller companies specializing in charter flights. Some teams, like the New England Patriots, decided to buy their own plane. According to Aerotime, the Pats own a pair of custom Boeing 767-300ER jets and became the first NFL team to own their own aircraft. The plane was retrofitted to provide maximum player comfort, efficiency, and team spirit. The registrations of the two planes are:
N36NE N225NE Close Inside the custom Patriots private plane
These planes aren't your typical commercial airliners. Inside, every detail has been tailored for professional athletes. The cabin features oversized first-class-style seats with extended legroom, ensuring even the team's largest players can travel comfortably. Custom Patriots branding runs throughout the interior, reinforcing team pride from takeoff to landing.
But what if there's a medical emergency?
Medical readiness is also a priority. The jets are equipped with onboard medical stations, allowing team physicians to address injuries mid-flight if necessary. This capability helps players recover faster and stay game-ready.
Livery to match the spirit of the team
The aircraft's exteriors are just as impressive. Painted in the team's iconic red, white, and blue colors, the planes proudly display the Patriots logo. One jet even features six Lombardi trophies on its tail, commemorating the franchise's Super Bowl victories. While primarily used for team travel, these jets have supported humanitarian missions. After Hurricane Maria in 2017, one plane delivered critical supplies to Puerto Rico.
Photo: Soos Jozsef | Shutterstock
With these state-of-the-art planes, the New England Patriots travel in style and ensure their players arrive rested and ready to compete. This winning strategy highlights the team's commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Arizona Cardinals private Boeing 777
The Arizona Cardinals take team travel to the next level with their custom Boeing 777-200ER jet, designed to provide players with a superior travel experience. While many NFL teams rely on chartered flights, the Cardinals' customized plane sets them apart with its unique blend of comfort, functionality, and team branding.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock Designed with athletes in mind
The aircraft's interior is tailored to meet the needs of professional athletes. The spacious cabin features lie-flat seats, allowing players to rest and recover during long trips. Extra-wide seating and additional legroom ensure maximum comfort for the team's largest players.
Medical preparedness is also built into the plane's design. On-board medical stations allow the team's trainers and doctors to handle injuries and provide treatment during flights, helping players stay in peak condition.
Plenty of team spirit
Externally, the plane showcases a bold Cardinals-themed design. The aircraft is painted in the team's signature red and white colors, with the iconic Cardinals logo prominently displayed. The tail features a striking depiction of the team's emblem, creating a powerful visual statement wherever the plane travels.
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Beyond football, the Cardinals have used their plane for humanitarian missions. It has transported supplies to disaster-stricken areas and supported community outreach initiatives, reflecting the team's commitment to giving back.
With their state-of-the-art team plane, the Arizona Cardinals ensure their players travel in style, comfort, and readiness, enhancing their competitive edge while reinforcing their strong team identity.
Arranging for NFL equipment transportation
Moving an NFL team's gear is a monumental task. Each team travels with thousands of pounds of equipment, including helmets, pads, uniforms, training supplies, and sideline communication devices.
The equipment staff usually departs a day or two earlier in equipment trucks loaded with everything the team might need. These trucks can carry up to 40,000 pounds of gear. The equipment team ensures that every piece is accounted for, from custom cleats to high-tech medical devices.
Hotel and ground transportation
NFL teams stay at premium hotels that can accommodate large groups and provide meeting rooms for last-minute strategy sessions. Hotels must meet specific criteria, such as proximity to the stadium and the ability to provide 24/7 dining options.
Ground transportation includes luxury buses for players and staff. Security escorts often accompany team buses to ensure smooth travel, especially in high-traffic cities.
Game day operations
On game day, logistics continue behind the scenes. Buses shuttle players and staff to the stadium hours before kickoff. Equipment staff arrives even earlier to set up locker rooms, test communication systems, and prepare the field gear.
After the game, the reverse process kicks in. Teams quickly pack up and head to the airport, often flying back the same night to begin preparations for the next game.
Additional security measures may be enforced in high-profile games or playoffs, including stadium lockdowns and police escorts. Stadium personnel coordinates with team managers to ensure the smooth execution of pre- and post-game logistics.
International travel challenges
The logistics become even more complex when NFL teams play internationally, such as in London or Germany. Teams must secure international flights, clear customs, and adjust to time zone changes. International games usually involve longer stays to accommodate practice sessions and promotional events.
Teams also face logistical hurdles, such as international equipment shipping regulations and the need for translators or local liaisons to navigate unfamiliar environments. Cultural sensitivity training is sometimes offered to help players and staff adapt to foreign locations.
The cost of NFL travel
The financial investment required to transport an NFL team is significant. Teams can spend millions of dollars annually on travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, and meals. However, the cost is considered a necessary investment to maintain competitive performance on the field.
During playoff seasons or Super Bowl runs, travel expenses can increase even more as teams require specialized services such as media coordination, extended stays, and event-specific transportation.
Why logistics matter for NFL team transportation
Efficient travel logistics can influence a team's performance. Players need rest, proper nutrition, and minimal stress to perform at their best. Any disruption can have a ripple effect on game-day readiness.
Logistics teams work around the clock, even during off days, to ensure no detail is overlooked. Weather forecasts, airport conditions, and hotel service quality are monitored to avoid potential disruptions.
Transporting an NFL team involves far more than just booking flights and buses. It requires a coordinated effort from a dedicated team of professionals who ensure every detail is meticulously planned and executed. From securing charter flights and transporting thousands of pounds of gear to managing hotel stays and game-day logistics, NFL teams rely on expert planning to keep their operations running smoothly.
By understanding the intricate logistics involved, fans can appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts that enable their favorite teams to compete at the highest level, week after week.