Every season, NFL teams travel to away games, and the logistics of transporting 150+ people and loads of cargo is no easy chore. Every year, the team rents air vehicles to transport team members, coaches, and support staff for their weekly commitments.
Let's take a look at how the Miami Dolphins travel to away games as the National Football League (NFL) season begins.
The Boeing 747, N322SG, is currently operated by Atlas Air in a "VIP" configuration. Before joining the charter carrier, it worked for All Nippon Airways, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, and Wells Fargo. This football season, Atlas Air will furnish the team with 38 roundtrip trips.
What is a typical day like?
Preparation begins as soon as the NFL game schedule is published, which is usually around May. The Dolphins' administration sends the needed days to Atlas Air in order to reserve an airplane for the team's away game and prepare for the big season. The flying crew will arrive at Fort Lauderdale International Airport five to six hours before the team. Catering, logistics, and team personnel coordinate the aircraft's operations as part of the Atlas Air contingent.
The Boeing 747-400 will normally land three hours before game time to prepare for the game. Over 10,000 pounds of goods and equipment must be loaded onboard the airplane and declared in the cargo manifest.
When the team boards the plane, they are met with a water bottle at each seat and snack baskets strategically placed throughout the cabin to ensure no one goes hungry as the jet prepares to take off.
A dependable crew
The squad used its four-year contract with Atlas Air to secure the same flight crew for all 10 away games. This allows the staff to become acquainted with the team's requirements and desires during the season.
Catering on the plane also far exceeds conventional standards. Typically, four main course selections are available. These usually consist of a steak, pasta, a special dish, and a salad. Simple Flying discovered the following main meal options: chicken quesadilla, Philly cheese steak sandwich, Cobb salad, and classic lasagne. These were provided alongside a variety of desserts and delectable nibbles.
The dietitian collaborates with the Atlas Air catering team to create a nutritious and enjoyable food plan for the flights.
Traveling in style
The 747 is outfitted with more business and first-class seats for the team and support crew. The squad travels with approximately 180 persons, including 69 players, 30 coaches, 70 support staff, and 10 media members. The plane can carry 189 passengers as well as five tons of football equipment.
Atlas Air's 747-400 "VIP" planes have 26 business class seats on the upper deck, 10 first- class suites in the nose, 143 business class seats for long-haul flights, 36 economy class seats in the back, and fully-equipped galleys that can serve anything from light snacks to multi-course meals. This is much fewer seats than a regular Jumbo Jet, which can generally accommodate 416 passengers in three classes.
The Miami Dolphins kick off the season of NFL 2023 on September 10th at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with a win against the Los Angeles Chargers.