The Ultimate Road Trip: How NFL Teams Are Handling Travel in the Age of International Games

When Travel Matters More Than Ever

As the NFL prepares for another season full of international games, I can't help but feel like we're witnessing a shift in how teams approach travel — and it's not just about getting players to the field on time. It's about giving them every advantage possible before they even step onto the practice field or game day.

"It is nice to know that you give everything you can, you put everything you can into it and it's nice to know and it's very apparent when you have an owner that's willing to do the same," said Kaden Elliss of the New Orleans Saints. "I think [Saints owner Gayle Benson] just has a really awesome track record of, like, we're going to make sure we want to be the best and we're going to be the best in everything we do, including travel."

Elliss's words remind us that when you're flying nearly 8,000 miles across the globe, it's not just about making it there — it's about arriving ready to play. That's exactly what the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams did for their Australia trip, but it wasn't always that way.

The 49ers' Lie-Flat Seats: A Game-Changer?

Let me tell you — Mike Evans had his doubts when he first heard about the 49ers' travel arrangements. But once he saw the lie-flat seats, it wasn't just a selling point anymore; it was an experience that made him feel like he belonged.

"He was a big fan of how we traveled with the lay down [seats] stuff and he's like, 'Yep, I never had that,'" said George Kittle. "And I was like, 'It's crazy, but welcome to the 49ers.'"

And what's even better? The team made sure they didn't just fly well — they stayed in style. The Saint Haven Club near their hotel offered everything from hyperbaric chambers to red light therapy and hot/cold plunges. It's not about luxury for luxury's sake; it's about making the player feel like they're being taken care of.

The Steelers: What Happened in Dublin?

On the flip side, Pittsburgh's experience in Dublin was a different story entirely. When the team flew on Aer Lingus — a low-cost carrier — players were stuck with only a few business class seats, and they were awarded based on seniority.

"I think if they're going to have us travel to the other side of the [world] to produce them some money, then I think they should do us the common courtesy to letting us stay the whole week so we can at least experience the place that we're traveling to," one anonymous player told ESPN.

It's a stark contrast. One team investing heavily in travel comfort and another relying on what feels like the bare minimum. And honestly, this is where things get interesting — because it's not just about the flight or the hotel. It's about culture, perception, and whether players believe their organization truly cares.

Why Team Travel Isn't Just About Comfort

When we talk about team travel, especially with the NFL's international expansion, it becomes clear that these experiences matter more than most people realize. It's not just about how comfortable you are on the plane — it's about setting the tone for what kind of environment players will face when they're competing.

Take Seattle, for instance. The Seahawks charter a spacious Boeing 747-481 with lie-flat seats for every player on their roster. That's not a luxury — that's a strategic investment in performance and preparation. And it shows. Since Mike Macdonald took over as head coach, the Seahawks have been 16-2 away from home.

"If that doesn't get an A, I don't know what gets an A," said Seahawks safety Julian Love.

This isn't just about keeping players happy. It's about building a foundation of trust and respect between team leadership and those who carry the team on their backs every week.

Domestic Travel Challenges Still Linger

Even in domestic games, where travel may seem simpler, the same principles apply. When teams play in cities like Dallas or Miami, it becomes harder to find hotels that can accommodate a large number of players, coaches, and support staff — but it's still important.

Former Patriots player-turned-coach said: "I just always knew when we were traveling to certain cities, it wasn't going to be at the nicest of places. I think about NBA teams, even hockey, baseball — NBA teams are traveling with 15 guys. Hockey is 20-something, plus three coaches. In the NFL, you're just dealing with such a large number of people that it becomes logistically tough."

It's not about making excuses — it's about recognizing what needs to be done to keep players performing at their highest level, no matter where they are.

The Big Picture: What Comes Next?

As the NFL looks ahead, there's growing discussion around whether travel should be addressed in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). With international games becoming more frequent and more significant, it's time to talk about consistency and fairness — not just for players but also for the league itself.

One thing is certain: when teams invest in how players travel, they're investing in their own success. And if that's true, then maybe we should start grading them on those trips too — because a well-executed travel plan might be one of the most overlooked keys to winning in the NFL.

Final Thoughts

As someone who's covered this game for years, I've seen firsthand how much more than just physical skill goes into being an NFL player. Travel, nutrition, recovery — all these elements shape performance on the field. And right now, the teams that are getting it right are setting the standard for everyone else to follow.

So next time you're watching a game and think about how tired or energized the players seem, remember that it's not just about the game itself — it's about the journey they took to get there. And that journey starts with how well the team plans their travel.