Travel Expenses: Can Nfl Players Claim Them?

When it comes to travel expenses for NFL players, the league's 32 teams are owned by billionaires and are part of a multibillion-dollar industry, so money is usually no object. The New England Patriots are the only team with a private plane, having purchased two used Boeing 767s in 2017, while the remaining 31 teams use chartered flights from major airlines. Teams spent an average of nearly $4 million on travel in 2017, double the previous year, and this figure is expected to continue rising. While specific details may vary between teams, players are generally well-taken care of when it comes to travel, with first-class airfare and accommodations being the norm.

Only the New England Patriots have a private plane

In 2017, the New England Patriots became the first NFL team to acquire a private plane to transport their players. They purchased two used Boeing 767-300s, which were previously flown by American Airlines. The planes, named "AirKrafts" in reference to owner Bob Kraft, are registered as N36NE and N225NE. The Patriots' remaining plane has a premium configuration, with most seats being the equivalent of domestic first-class, providing the necessary space and comfort for the team.

The decision to acquire private planes was driven by the complexities of logistics when dealing with airline charters. By owning their planes, the Patriots gained greater flexibility and control over their travel arrangements, especially when travelling for away games. This is particularly advantageous given the busy 17-week NFL schedule, which often requires long-distance travel across the United States.

The New England Patriots are considered the third-most valuable sports team in the world, and their success on the field has contributed to their increasing value as a franchise. This financial strength has allowed them to invest in private planes, setting them apart from other NFL teams. The Patriots' private planes have also been used for additional purposes beyond transporting the team, such as delivering over a million masks from China during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the New England Patriots are the only NFL team with private planes, other teams rely on charter flights provided by major airlines like American, Delta, and United. However, commercial airlines are increasingly prioritising profitable passenger operations, which has made securing charters more challenging for sports teams. As a result, some NFL teams have had to explore alternative arrangements, such as partnering with smaller carriers or, in the case of games in London, utilising British carriers like Virgin Atlantic.

All other teams use chartered flights

The New England Patriots are the only NFL team with their own private aircraft. The other 31 teams use chartered flights for road games, which offers the experience of flying private without the expenses. The Patriots, owned by Robert Kraft, bought two used Boeing 767s in 2017, previously flown by American Airlines. The planes are based at Providence's TF Green Airport and use domestic first-class recliner seats, set up in a 2-3-2 and 2-2-2 configuration, each with its own entertainment system.

The big three airlines—American, Delta, and United—transport most of the teams. Delta has carried more than 10 Super Bowl winners since 2000 and is the largest sports charter organisation. Virgin Atlantic is also used by NFL teams, particularly for the multiple games held in London each year. Some teams dropped by the larger airlines have partnered with smaller carriers, such as Atlas Air and Miami Air.

The cost of travel for NFL teams is substantial, with teams spending an average of almost $4 million on travel in 2017, double the year before. This is expected to continue to rise, and the league is considering other options to reduce travel costs, such as negotiating on behalf of multiple franchises with a single carrier or investing in a company that would secure long-term rights to a specific airline's jets.

The Patriots bought two used Boeing 767s in 2017

In 2017, the New England Patriots became the first NFL team to own its own private planes. The team bought two used Boeing 767s, specifically the 767-300ER model, which were previously owned by American Airlines. The Patriots' decision to purchase their own planes was influenced by the rising costs of chartering flights and the challenges of securing team charters due to commercial airlines flying at nearly full capacity.

The two Boeing 767s were purchased for a total of $10 million and underwent refurbishment to accommodate the team's needs. The planes feature an all-first-class seating arrangement, with some seats capable of reclining completely. One of thesection planes is the primary jet, while the other serves as a backup. Both planes are nearly 30 years old and are powered by two General Electric CF6 turbofan engines. They are registered as N36NE and N225NE and are based in Providence, Rhode Island, which is the closest major airport to the team's stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The Patriots' private jets are affectionately nicknamed "AirKrafts," a play on the name of the team's owner, Robert Kraft. The team's logo and five Lombardi trophies adorn the exterior of at least one of the planes, proudly displaying their success. The planes have been essential in transporting team members to away games and have also been used for other missions, such as delivering medical supplies and transporting healthcare workers.

The purchase of the two Boeing 767s by the New England Patriotssection demonstrates the team's commitment to comfort and efficiency in their travels. With the challenges of chartering flights, the Patriots took control of their travel arrangements, ensuring they have the necessary means to get to their destinations.

The cost of travel for NFL teams is rising

The cost of travel for NFL teams is a significant expense, and one that is increasing year on year. In 2017, it was reported that teams spent on average almost $4 million on travel, double the amount spent in 2016. With the NFL being a multibillion-dollar industry, this cost is relatively small change for franchises, but it is still a notable expense.

The New England Patriots are the only team with their own private planes, having purchased two used Boeing 767s in 2017. All other teams use chartered flights with top airlines such as American, Delta, and United. These airlines benefit from the publicity of carrying winning teams, with Delta claiming to be the "Official Airline of Champions".

The cost of travel is not just limited to airfare, however. Teams must also cover the cost of transport to and from the airport, as well as meals and accommodation. Per diems are also required for players when meals are not provided by the team. According to the collective bargaining agreement, players must be reimbursed up to $122 per day for meals.

With commercial airlines flying at full capacity, securing team charters is becoming more challenging and expensive. This has led the league to consider other options, such as negotiating with a single carrier on behalf of multiple franchises or investing in a company that can secure long-term rights to a specific airline's jets.

The cost of travel for NFL teams is a significant and rising expense, and one that the league is actively seeking to manage and reduce.

Teams spent an average of $4 million on travel in 2017

NFL teams do not travel by road but by air. All NFL teams, except the New England Patriots, travel via chartered flights. The Patriots are the only NFL team with a private aircraft, having purchased two used Boeing 767s in 2017.

The cost of travel for NFL teams is significant. It was reported in 2017 that NFL teams spent an average of almost $4 million on travel, double the amount spent the year before. This amount is expected to increase annually.

The high cost of travel is due to the difficulty in securing team charters, as commercial airlines often fly at full capacity. To reduce travel costs, the NFL has considered negotiating with a single carrier on behalf of multiple franchises or investing in a company that can secure long-term rights to a specific airline's jets.

In addition to travel costs, teams must also cover player per diems when travelling to away games. Per the collective bargaining agreement with the players' association, players must be reimbursed up to $122 per day for meals if they are not provided by the team.

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