How do sports teams travel? Given the Superbowl this week I figured this was an ideal time to post this article.

Well, I have been meaning to write an article about this for sometime. On a recent trip back from Boston, I saw the attached picture of a plane that had the Steelers logo on it.  At first I thought that it was actually the Steelers plane that they travel on and I got really excited. Then it dawned on me that they were not playing anywhere near Boston and the chances of it being the Steelers plane were slim to none.  Well, I came to find out through a bit of research that US Airways has a partnership with several NFL teams and has painted multiple Airbus A139’s with NFL team logos.  I thought this was pretty cool...very cool.

Even though this was not the Steelers plane I tried to find out how other teams travel, through some detective work. I was able to find out that the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings travel on a DC-9. The Pistons had Roundball One. The Washington Redskins fly on a Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global Express. Hendrik Motorsports (NASCAR) fly the friendly skies on a Saab-2000. The Miami Dolphins on a Boeing 737-75T BBJ, and the New York Giants on a Dassault Falcon 2000. I know this is just a small sampling but it was interesting enough trying to figure it out. Some teams have their own planes and some rent.

Most owners have their own planes to begin with since most are wealthy with a B (billions, that is). This can be a great asset. A perfect example is Theo Epstein flying to having Thanksgiving dinner with the Schillings on a whim.

Most of these planes have been outfitted with reclining seats, spectacular sounds systems with iPod docking stations, and laptop hookups. I’m a frequent flyer, and feeling like a sardine is not one of my favorite hobbies. So if it’s these kinds of details that help teams win, I can understand why owners afford these luxuries in the team planes. They are protecting their investment.

So, if you want the closest thing to what the players fly, try jumping an Airbus A139 with US Airways.
Speaking of flying high will the Steelers fly in the big game this Sunday? Being born and bred in Black and Gold, I am a little nervous, but I am going to say yes.  20-17. Go Stillers!!!!!