NFL Teams' Charters Dropped By Airlines Because Planes More Valuable Commercially

Eight NFL teams during the offseason were dropped by "commercial airline carriers that offered chartered flights" because the airlines can "make more money flying those planes commercially," according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. American Airlines dropped six teams -- the Dolphins, Steelers, Cardinals, Ravens, Colts and Jaguars -- while United Airlines dropped the Bills and Lions. These teams have been "forced to scramble to secure charters with other smaller companies that don't have as many planes," such as the Steelers' deal with Miami Air. The move has teams "concerned about potential issues getting to games if there are any mechanical issues with their primary aircraft." The NFL "lets each team handle its travel arrangements individually." Sources said that the Bills "actually flew to Atlanta this weekend on two NBA-owned planes operated by Delta Airlines" (ESPN.com, 10/1).