The Super Bowl is coming up on February 11, 2024, and will be taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Kansas City Chiefs will be playing against either the San Francisco 49ers or Detroit Lions (depending on which team wins that game).
As you’d expect, airlines are adding many flights to Las Vegas in the days around the Super Bowl, especially from the cities where the teams are located, for fans who want to see the game in person. Along those lines, American Airlines is having a little bit of fun with its flight numbers to and from Kansas City.
In this post:
American operating AA1989 & AA87 Kansas City flights
American will be operating nonstop flights from Kansas City to Las Vegas, but the airline isn’t just using any flight numbers.
Rather, the carrier’s flight from Kansas City to Las Vegas prior to the Super Bowl will have the flight number AA1989. This is obviously in honor of Taylor Swift (and her “1989” album), as she has created a whole new kind of fan base for football…
Meanwhile American’s flight from Las Vegas to Kansas City after the Super Bowl will have the flight number AA87, honoring the jersey number of her beau, Travis Kelce.
Look, we all know the reason that the Kansas City Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl is because of Taylor Swift’s amazing support, so it’s nice to see her being recognized for that. She deserves the credit. The Kansas City Chiefs would be nowhere without her.
I’m just kidding. I have no skin in the game. I actually didn’t know who was going to be in the Super Bowl or when it was going to be until I saw the below. But for some reason, people seem really angry about Taylor Swift making their sport less manly, or something, so I’ll play along.
This kind of numbering of flights is nothing new, as I’ve written in the past about how airlines have fun with flight numbers. For example, American ordinarily has flight AA777 to Las Vegas, flight AA1492 to Columbus, and flight AA1776 to Philadelphia.
The more interesting Taylor Swift flight situation
Perhaps the more interesting Super Bowl Taylor Swift flight question involves her own schedule. Swift is performing a concert in Tokyo at 6PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024, and plans to attend the Super Bowl, which starts at 3:30PM on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
She’ll be able to make this without issue, given the 17-hour time difference between Tokyo and Las Vegas, thanks to the International Date Line. Her private jet could make that ~5,550-mile flight in around 10 hours at most, so she’ll even land seven hours before she departs (based on the local time in each place).
So she won’t even need to rush, and could even make it to Las Vegas by Saturday night, if she wanted to. For example, if she took off at 11PM on Saturday, she could be in Las Vegas by around 4PM on Saturday. You’ve gotta love time travel!
Bottom line
American Airlines is having some fun with the flight numbers for its special Super Bowl flights, as the airline is operating flight AA1989 from Kansas City to Las Vegas, and flight AA87 from Las Vegas to Kansas City. Kudos to the person at American who came up with this!
What do you make of American’s Super Bowl flight numbers?
Cmon SF, save the world from the taylorswiftbowl!
Can you write about the Taylor swift landing slot situation
The Australian media are posing the question as to how the rush back to the USA would impact the Australian concerts commencing in Melbourne on February 16 - will Ms Swift be at her sparkling best? Being the consummate professional I suspect that this is a moot question but it is being asked in this faraway continent ......
Could probably update post to reflect multiple airlines doing this. UA had a clever post including the Kelce brother screaming with his shirt off inside a United plane, before listing the flights that were added with MCI and SFO themes.
- Percentage of time Taylor Swift was on screen during the AFC championship game: 0.39
- Percentage of time Taylor Swift lives rent-free in Dad's, Brad's, and Chad's heads during the AFC Championship Game: 100
First story that I saw pop up on my phone last night about the AFC Championship: "will Taylor Swift be able to get from Tokyo to Vegas?" Who cares!
You must since you're writ I Nguyen about it
I didn't write a story about her nor seek one out.
The only thing I found "amusing" in any of this was the BE fare of $716.
This is precisely why I was hoping the Chiefs would lose last night. I like their kicker Harrison Butker and Patrick Mahomes seems like a nice guy, but who cares who the players are dating? This incessant coverage of Taylor Swift detracts from what matters - the football. I don't see other wives and girlfriends getting this much attention. I would disagree that this has created new fans for the FOOTBALL - it has created...
This is precisely why I was hoping the Chiefs would lose last night. I like their kicker Harrison Butker and Patrick Mahomes seems like a nice guy, but who cares who the players are dating? This incessant coverage of Taylor Swift detracts from what matters - the football. I don't see other wives and girlfriends getting this much attention. I would disagree that this has created new fans for the FOOTBALL - it has created Taylor myrmidons paying attention and distracting from the football, as they will disappear as soon as these two split up.
That all being said, the NFL is a pale shadow of college football and what little I had in the NFL playoffs disappeared when the Cowboys choked again...but that an entirely different story that we just can not get into. Grrr....
Username checks out.
I think we found the guy who goes to a game, spends the entire game in a suite socializing, and never knows who won, if he even knew who was playing.
AA777 took me a minute; then I remembered which number shows up on slot machines
I love that American are having some fun with the flight numbers, and why shouldn't they? So many people are getting hung up on Taylor's ability to rally her base to register to vote. It's funny watching this from afar (Sydney). Ben thanks for including the flight details re Tokyo to Vegas. I wondered if she would make it or not as I know her Asia/Australia tour kicks off soon. No doubt she even has...
I love that American are having some fun with the flight numbers, and why shouldn't they? So many people are getting hung up on Taylor's ability to rally her base to register to vote. It's funny watching this from afar (Sydney). Ben thanks for including the flight details re Tokyo to Vegas. I wondered if she would make it or not as I know her Asia/Australia tour kicks off soon. No doubt she even has a backup flight waiting in the wings just in case something happens with her plane given the importance of supporting '87'.
registering to vote and actually voting are 2 different things. also here is the thing, voting democrat is feel-good, but when it comes down to the bottom line of making ends meet and "putting food on your family" as g. w. bush said, republican presidents preside over prosperity. democrats hit you in the wallet and we are seeing those effects all over the travel industry
- hella devalued miles and points
- sh***y service...
registering to vote and actually voting are 2 different things. also here is the thing, voting democrat is feel-good, but when it comes down to the bottom line of making ends meet and "putting food on your family" as g. w. bush said, republican presidents preside over prosperity. democrats hit you in the wallet and we are seeing those effects all over the travel industry
- hella devalued miles and points
- sh***y service even at $4,000 a night ski resorts in Colorado
just look at QQQ under Trump and compare it to QQQ under Biden.
so would you vote for an orange rapist, or for your portfolio to tank?
the orange rapist doesn't rape YOU.
that is why trump still has voters.
btw I am voting Biden this year.
Except the last two recessions were cause by Reagan and Bush2’s deregulation policies.
Suggest you look at your history. Reagan's policies generated 96 consecutive months of growth.
Regarding Bush2 deregulation policies, you are probably right but the mortgage deregulation actually started under Clinton. Shame on Clinton for implementing it, shame on Bush for continuing it.
Nope. That's the politicized watering down of an economic events that is far more complex and extends far beyond politics. It's why America and other nations would be better office if people paid more attention to things that mattered than the "bread and circuses" of sports and entertainment (and yes, I am a huge college football fan, but I also am informed, understand economics, and don't get my news from Comedy Central, TikTok, Taylor Swift, etc.)
I don't have any problem with people voting and exercising their right and privilege (yes, voting for President is not a right...see the Constitution) to do so. What bothers me is when celebrities whip up people to vote and those people are grossly uninformed on the issues. I think uninformed voters are worse than just not bothering to cast a ballot. If you want to vote for a candidate, try knowing very well why, and...
I don't have any problem with people voting and exercising their right and privilege (yes, voting for President is not a right...see the Constitution) to do so. What bothers me is when celebrities whip up people to vote and those people are grossly uninformed on the issues. I think uninformed voters are worse than just not bothering to cast a ballot. If you want to vote for a candidate, try knowing very well why, and don't form your opinion from a celebrity, social media, etc. That type of lazy irresponsible voting has likely contributed to a lot of the problems we have.
What flight takes 17 hours to go 5550 miles with tailwinds eastbound? I think you’re off by about 7 hours. Close though!!
@ SMR -- Is that addressed at me? I said the time difference is 17 hours, and the flight time is around 10 hours (exactly what you're saying).
NZ also will use NZ1989 flight number for AKL/WLG/CHC-SYD/MEL when she's in Sydney and Melbourne for concerts.
Maybe QR1989 or RX1989 (Riyadh Air) when the concerts will happen in Qatar or Saudi Arabia? I mean they're spending millions for these stuff at the moment. :P
United is also doing the same. UA1989 is doing MCI-LAS
I’m guess American is having some fun in March because my DFW-DEn flight to the AAAE conference is AA420
Make it stop.
I'm so tired of hearing about her and her bf, Mr. Pfizer, and Mr. State Farm as well. Exhausting. I think I'll skip this super bowl.
Lol. I thought y'all were never going to watch the NFL again after Kaepernick? The meltdowns over Taylor are hilarious.
"y'all"? Sorry, unlike leftist drones like you, I don't check with my elitist overlords to know what I'm supposed to believe. I stopped watching the NFL when it was constant DEI preaching, they toned it down so I occasionally watch now. Is that ok with you?
And you misunderstand what a meltdown is. She's annoying and drives me away from watching, but that's a meltdown? How about you leftists blocking airports, highways, and defacing priceless...
"y'all"? Sorry, unlike leftist drones like you, I don't check with my elitist overlords to know what I'm supposed to believe. I stopped watching the NFL when it was constant DEI preaching, they toned it down so I occasionally watch now. Is that ok with you?
And you misunderstand what a meltdown is. She's annoying and drives me away from watching, but that's a meltdown? How about you leftists blocking airports, highways, and defacing priceless works of art because you either support terrorists or misunderstand basic science? Is that a meltdown?
@Mantis You're absolutely right.
Liberals, if you want yourself to look good (or af least "fine"), them stop making exceptions/double standards for you exclusively.
Or at least do some real-life actions on the ones who's actually responsible, instead of those who look defenseless, like what you people did to the Mona Lisa few days ago.
Nevermind, I forgot that you don't have guts to actually argue or do anything against the actual figures....
@Mantis You're absolutely right.
Liberals, if you want yourself to look good (or af least "fine"), them stop making exceptions/double standards for you exclusively.
Or at least do some real-life actions on the ones who's actually responsible, instead of those who look defenseless, like what you people did to the Mona Lisa few days ago.
Nevermind, I forgot that you don't have guts to actually argue or do anything against the actual figures. You've seen how easily your opponents beat you people without even getting 1% emotional, while you people are going through a mental breakdown, haven't you?
They really are funny. So many 'men' so bent out of shape. And with Nikki trolling trump it's amazing to watch the hysteria. They should take Taylor's advice and Calm Down.
I don't take advice from entertainers. I am far more informed than they are. They should be taking advice from others.
Why? Because people want to watch football and not Celebrity Dating Extravaganza! Put Taylor and her boyfriend on a dating reality show I bet 90% of the resistance disappears. It's this hijacking of the games that bugs fans of the game. The focus at a football game should be on the action on the field, not which celebrity is cheering in the stands...there often multiple of those at each game.
This might be difficult for you to read: YOU are the snowflake if you're gonna "skip the Super Bowl" because they showed a player's girlfriend an average of 26 seconds a game.
Why not just grow a pair and realize dating a successful woman doesn't emasculate you anywhere but in your own insecure little head(s).
He's dating a pop star. When he starts dating a CEO, I will be impressed with his girlfriend, the successful woman.
Most corporate boards would kill to have a CEO with Tay's strategic and marketing competence. For that matter, so would many consumers; lord knows most of us AA pax would leap for joy if we could have her instead of Isom.
Right. I forgot. Move over Jack Welch, here's Taylor. She's a singer, not a CEO. When she can market useful products and services that aren't based on pure emotion, let us know.
Does her private jet have that kind of range? Does she refuel in Alaska?
tokyo to vegas is under 6,000 miles
the global express range is 7,000 miles
Her private jet, nicknamed "13," is a Dassault Falcon 900. It has a range of 4,750 nautical miles.
Refuel in Hawaii or charter a longer range jet?
She also has a Global Express. Same as Kylie Jenner. Falcon is over 10 years old.
Don't worry, she bought carbon credit indulgences, so she can fly wherever she wants guilt free, and can still preach to us about climate change! So stunning and brave.
Brave would be her navigating commercial air travel with all crazies bent out of shape and threatening her security. Is anyone upset that corporate execs (Apple, Walmart, Ford, etc) all fly by private jet, even when it is not work-related? Taylor impacts entire economies, her security is just as important as Tim Cooks is.
I think Ben was right, it's going to be SF.
He had the script!
I wonder why they’re not operating AA13 given that is her favorite number that she uses on everything? What could put people off AA13? haha
Equally interesting (maybe) is that DL currently has extra sections loaded from LAS to BOTH SFO and DTW for post SuperBowl. Assume they will open one or the other set following tonight’s game…
why not both
DTW is their mega hub and surely with their operational prowess they have a high PRASM use no matter the super bowl
I'm sorry, folks, I blame the exhaustion from my current trip! I wasn't kidding when I said I know nothing about the Super Bowl. Post updated now, and may the best team win!
Haha, all in good humor Ben!
knowing nothing about the super bowl should be a point of pride
only morons and losers care about a game they're not playing, they have to live vicariously through a professional sports team where the players are compensated both in dollars and in cultural cachet more than first responders, teachers, doctors, artists, designers, engineers, scientists, and even DoorDash delivery drivers
Only deeply insecure and unhappy people care this much about what other people like
Speedbird, where did you earn your psychiatry degree? Nowhere? Okay, f*** off then. Loser moron.
wow, you seem very angry. perhaps you should find a hobby, i would suggest watching sports... football... apparently there's a big game going on in las vegas in a couple of weeks i've heard.
watching sports is not a hobby unless you are a dumb loser moron like Speedbird.
my hobbies are indoor rock climbing, playing (not watching) tennis, strength training at equinox which is paid for partly by my platinum amex, and running in central park or the west side highway (manhattan nyc)
I used to think like Tony when I was a 13 year old douchebag with a superiority complex. Then I grew up. I’m not holding my breath for Tony.
To be clear, are some folks here actually advocating "growing up" into.... watching? Not, uh... playing? I mean I'm glad for wherever people find their happiness even if it's just watching *others* actually do the thing they admire while they themselves do nothing, but it seems to me that the "grown-up" perspective would not exactly be that one...
tda1986 probably means he grew out of his douchey superiority complex.
and he is not hopeful that i will grow out of mine.
which logically means he still has a douchey superiority complex.
guessing he did not score well on the logic games part of the LSAT. personally i got 180 and am currently a senior associate at a nyc biglaw firm.
digital_notmad - Nope. I still don't care much for sports. The growing up part involved no longer thinking I'm better than others and insulting them based on their choice in entertainment.
Tony - You are literally the first lawyer I've met (I've worked in biglaw for 12 years) that has mentioned his LSAT score. I wonder why that is. Also, take a poll of the most successful attorneys at your firm and see how many...
digital_notmad - Nope. I still don't care much for sports. The growing up part involved no longer thinking I'm better than others and insulting them based on their choice in entertainment.
Tony - You are literally the first lawyer I've met (I've worked in biglaw for 12 years) that has mentioned his LSAT score. I wonder why that is. Also, take a poll of the most successful attorneys at your firm and see how many know which teams are going to the Super Bowl. You may be surprised how many "losers" are paying your salary.
Wow, did the NFL send Ben the script?
Are you living in the future or something? not sure about the san francisco part..
Ha ha - you’ve got a crystal ball? It’s looking like the Lions will be playing the Chiefs.
You need to take your own crystal ball back to the shop and demand a refund
Not so sure about that SF part of it!
Not so sure about your IQ (intelligence quotient)
And you're a lawyer? Tell us which firm so we can see how your managing partner feels about all your posts.
Umm - Do you know something the rest of the world doesn't know? Lol