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On board the San Francisco 49ers' Super Bowl-bound 777

Zach Honig
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Zach Honig is Editor-at-Large at TPG, with contributions ranging from articles digging deep on loyalty programs and credit cards to delivery flight coverage to drone photography and much more.
Feb. 01, 2020
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3 min read
On board the San Francisco 49ers' Super Bowl-bound 777
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This Sunday, Feb. 2, the San Francisco 49ers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIV in Miami. While the Chiefs are the designated "home" team, both groups needed to fly down to South Florida for this weekend's festivities. And, for the 49ers, that meant a long journey from San Jose, California.

The team chartered N2749U for the occasion, a brand-new United 777-300ER with 60 lie-flat Polaris business seats, 24 recliners in Premium Plus and two large cabins of economy, with a total of 266 seats in a 3-4-3 configuration.

Much of the team likely flew in United's Polaris business-class seats. Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy.

United marked the occasion with an event at San Jose International Airport (SJC), ahead of last week's departure.

Cheerleaders lined a long staircase up to the 777-300ER, posing with crew members before the team arrived.

Photo courtesy of United Airlines.

Then, it was time for the players to board, along with staff and other guests.

Photo courtesy of United Airlines.

Although the cabin was likely in tiptop shape — this is a brand-new 777 after all — the airline spruced things up a bit more, adding 49ers flags, banners and other memorabilia.

Photo courtesy of United Airlines.

The plane departed San Jose at 11 a.m. last Sunday, Jan. 26, arriving in Miami a bit over four hours later.

Image courtesy of FlightAware.

The 49ers needed more seats to get staff members and their guests out to Miami as well, so the team chartered a second widebody, N213UA, a 777-200 configured for domestic service, to get the rest of the group to MIA this past Thursday.

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United also flew the Kansas City Chiefs to Miami, reportedly using a Boeing 777 as well — with far less fanfare, it seems.

A number of U.S. airlines also added service between Miami and both Kansas City and San Francisco for Florida-bound fans, along with upgraded service between MIA and hub cities around the United States, to accommodate Super Bowl attendees traveling from elsewhere in the U.S. and beyond.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for the well-traveled foodie

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

  • Intro Offer
    Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

    60,000 bonus points

  • Annual Fee

    $250

  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.

Pros

  • 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
  • 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
  • Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months

Cons

  • Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
  • Few travel perks and protections
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees