In what marks a touchdown for direct international travel, American Airlines has announced it will offer a nonstop flight from Philadelphia to Brazil, connecting Eagles fans with the much-anticipated season opener against the Packers. The special service is set to depart on September 5, with a return flight scheduled post-game on September 7. The move by American Airlines capitalizes on the NFL's historic decision to host a season-opening game in Brazil for the first time, with a match-up that will break a 50-year tradition by kicking off on a Friday.
According to 6ABC, not only is this the first nonstop service from Philadelphia to South America by the carrier, but it's also a maiden voyage indicative of a burgeoning market between the regions. It's clear, American Airlines is banking on the fervor of Philadelphia Eagles fans who, are ready to flock southward to support their team. This inaugural flight is poised to bridge the gap, sans layovers, between the City of Brotherly Love and São Paulo, Brazil.
Ticket pricing for this exclusive air travel experience remains under wraps, with normal fares to Brazil currently hovering around $2,000. When pressed for details, American Airlines kept a tight lip, leaving travelers speculating on potential costs. "American Airlines is proud to serve as the only carrier to offer the Philadelphia Eagles players and fans easy, convenient access to enjoy this unforgettable football experience," Lakshman Amaranayaka, American's vice president of hub operations at PHL told PhillyVoice. The airline's long-term plans for continued nonstop flights to Brazil however remain uncertain, adding a layer of exclusivity to the venture.
The Eagles are no strangers to international showdowns, recalling their 2018 victory against Jacksonville at London's Wembley Stadium. Nevertheless, the Brazil game is poised to set records with expectations of a packed house in an arena capable of seating 47,252 spectators. With a reputation for intense fan engagement, the stadium's atmosphere come September is anticipated to be nothing short of electrifying. American Airlines' decision banks on the Eagles' international appeal and the draw of the NFL's broadening horizon.
Eager fans looking to score a seat on this historic flight can make their bookings through the airline's official website or via their mobile app. Meanwhile, the type of aircraft that will whisk passengers across hemispheres has yet to be disclosed. Given the travel time of roughly 13 hours, a widebody plane seems to be the logical expectation as noted by Simple Flying. American Airlines already flies to a wide array of destinations across Latin America, with the addition of Brazil promising to add another feather to their cap.
