Airlines often add special flights for major events, like the Super Bowl or the Consumer Electronics Show.
But typically, the U.S. carriers simply boost their frequencies or upgauge their aircraft in existing markets. For instance, during the CES, many carriers operate wide-body international jets on short domestic hops that they already operate to and from Las Vegas.
This time, however, American Airlines will launch a special, one-time-only flight on a never-before-operated route: Philadelphia to Sao Paulo. This 4,734-mile route, operating just once on Sept. 5, will mark the first time that American has ever offered nonstop service from its Philly hub to South America.
Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free biweekly Aviation newsletter.
American will also fly one northbound flight back to Philadelphia on Sept. 7. The outbound flight will depart at 9 p.m. and arrive at 7:30 a.m. the next day, all times local. The return flight will depart at 10 a.m. and land at 6:50 p.m. — a rare daytime flight from deep South America to the U.S.
As for what’s going on in Brazil, the flight is timed perfectly with the National Football League’s first-ever game in South America, planned for Sept. 6.
The matchup? Well, you probably guessed it, but it’s the Philadelphia Eagles against the Green Bay Packers.
With a hub in Philadelphia that dates back to the US Airways days, American has been a partner of the Eagles for nearly a decade. To celebrate the City of Philadelphia and its hometown team, American is even designating special flight numbers for this service.
Loyalty basics: Best ways to earn airline miles
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
American Flight 215 — in a nod to the city’s main area code — will be the southbound sector, and American Flight 62 — as a nod to retiring center Jason Kelce — will be the northbound sector.
As part of the partnership, American will also offer sweepstakes for AAdvantage members who are also Eagles fans. Stay tuned for more on that in the coming weeks.
American will deploy a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for the special Sao Paulo flight. It features 20 business-class, lie-flat pods as well as 28 premium economy recliners, 48 extra-legroom Main Cabin Extra seats and 138 standard economy seats.
Tickets will be available for sale starting on April 29. American didn’t share any fare information for this route, but I expect it to be a hit with fans. Be sure to book your ticket soon before the 234-seat jet fills up.
As for Green Bay fans, there aren’t any major airlines with local hubs to offer special flights to Sao Paulo. Your best bet will likely be to catch a nonstop flight from Chicago or risk having your allegiances questioned for 10 hours by connecting through Philadelphia.
Related reading:
