American Airlines will operate extra flights this fall to coincide with some of the most popular college football matches around the US. In addition to its regular flight schedule, the airline has planned a total of 68 additional non-stop flights for fans traveling to and from the matches.
American Airlines, the world’s largest airline by passengers carried, already serves more college towns than any other US carrier, and these extra flights will further strengthen its presence in the market. Tickets for the additional services will be on sale from May 17th.
Jason Reisinger, American Airlines’ managing director of global network planning, said,
“American is making it easier for college football fans to get from the gate to the gridiron this fall. With new nonstop flights and more seats, we’re helping fans see the action in person. The American team is ready for game day with the youngest fleet of any US network carrier and service that is second to none.”
The additional flights
The extra flights will begin on September 1st, when the airline will operate two round-trip flights between Miami (MIA) and Jackson, Mississippi (JAN) for the match between Florida A&M University and Jackson State University on September 4th. For the same match, known as the Orange Blossom Classic, the airline will also offer one round trip between the two airports on September 2nd and 3rd, and three round trip flights on September 5th to bring supporters home.
Additional flights will run throughout the season, with the last of the extra services planned for November 4th and 6th, when the airline will operate one round trip between Gainsville, Florida (GNV) and College Station, Texas (CLL) for the match between the University of Florida and Texas A&M University.
In addition to these extra flights, American will also increase seat availability by flying larger aircraft on routes specifically for matches at the University of Alabama on October 8th and Louisiana State University on November 5th.
Fans traveling domestically on one of American Airlines’ narrowbody aircraft will have access to inflight personal entertainment on their personal devices, including free access to live sports networks 24/7.
Tapping into the increased demand
It is not uncommon for airlines to increase capacity to meet the demand for significant sporting events, either by putting on extra flights or by operating flights with larger aircraft.
In Europe, additional services have been scheduled by several airlines, including Lufthansa and Vueling, for fans travelling to both the UEFA Europa League final in Seville on May 18th and the UEFA Champions League final in Paris on May 28th.
Back in the US, last year United Airlines also added a similar number of extra flights for the college football season. It remains to be seen if it will be doing the same this year.
Are you planning to travel on one of American Airlines’ additional services to watch a college football match? Let us know by commenting below.
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