Game Day Travel Tips

Game Day Travel Tips

Few things are as exciting as rooting on your favorite team this fall. The pageantry of football pairs well with private aviation, enabling fans to be efficient and create meaningful memories.

1. Plan Ahead. The biggest games create air traffic volume issues, which in turn restricts aircraft parking space at airports. Airports in college towns are often ill-equipped to park all the aircraft they may receive. Frequently, flights will incur special events fees. All of this is made easier through proper planning, checking the feasibility of the destination airports, and having designated alternates. 

2. Leave Buffer Time. A frequent pitfall is passengers electing to arrive too close to kickoff. Same day round trips may encounter unexpected landing delays, ground traffic, or weather/ATC related delays. We suggest passengers plan to arrive at least 3 hours before kickoff time.

3. Understand FAA Duty Parameters. Same day round trips for football games frequently stretch FAA duty days. The FAA defines a duty day in Part 135 (the set of regulations for charter) as 14 hours, limited to 10 hours of actual flying. This generally includes an hour of setup to start the day, and an hour post-flight. Games typically last around 3.5-4 hours. Include ground travel time and allow for extra time for congested taxiways at busy game day airports.

REAL Jet typically requests that the gameday aircraft arranged be in position the night prior to ensure additional duty time on gameday. In some instances, we suggest planning for a day room for the crew, which requires a minimum of 10 hours of rest on the ground for flight crews to reset their duty clock. The day room is an effective tool for longer stage-length flights, or customers who want extended tailgate time to catch up with friends before or after the game.

4. Avoid Congestion When Possible. Understanding local airports, particularly in small college towns is critical. Airports may reach capacity or unexpectedly shut down. Having a viable alternate plan is critical.

Last season, on a site visit to Athens, Georgia, the REAL Jet Special Events Advance Team learned that the airport might reach capacity far earlier than initially forecasted.  The REAL Jet team was able to proactively move flights to Winder, Georgia and provided complimentary ground transportation, avoiding issues that plagued many other providers.

5. Discuss the Weather Forecast with Your Service Provider. Even if the game you are attending is indoors, inclement weather can impact your trip via airport delays. If the game is outdoors, a lightning delay could impact crew duty. Discuss the weather forecast with your provider before flying, and make sure contingency plans are clearly defined.

6. Use Reliable Ground Partners that are Familiar with the Local Area. Given the influx of fans, many ground companies bring in extra drivers and vehicles from other areas to help with game days. Make sure your driver is familiar with the area and has a very clearly defined pickup area post-game. Spending extra time looking for your driver can negatively impact your crew's duty time.
 

Like your favorite team, having a solid game plan is critical for game day travel. Working with a provider that understands the nuances of these specialized trips is critical.

And don't forget to order champagne to celebrate your team's win on the way home!

Robert Withers

President, REAL Jet