Updated September 3, 2026 — 6:08pm,first published 12:58pm
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A double-decker Qantas jet bringing the San Francisco 49ers to Australia has set off on its journey across the Pacific, before next week’s much-hyped NFL clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The A380, which has been stocked with larger-sized Qantas pyjamas for the long-haul flight, took off from San Francisco at 11.44pm US time on Wednesday (4.44pm Thursday AEST).
The jet is set to land at Melbourne Airport on Friday, before the NFL match between the 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams on Friday next week.
The massive plane has 14 first-class and 70 business-class seats (Qantas supplies pyjamas for passengers in business class and above on long-haul flights), as well as 341 economy seats.
The 49ers have 53 players on their bench. It is not clear who else is flying on the charter jet.
In a sign of the large number of support staff and others making the journey, alongside the players, San Francisco media showed footage of seven buses with police escorts, taking the team to the airport.
San Francisco’s international terminal was illuminated red and gold, the 49ers’ colours, to farewell the team on their trip across the ocean.
Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, meanwhile, has prepared with special signage indoors and out, to celebrate the first NFL match to be held on Australian soil. Tickets for the landmark Melbourne fixture are largely sold out despite the match starting at 10.35am AEST on a weekday.
But for all the excitement, a trip across the Pacific for American football players brings some unknowns too.
San Francisco’s football players and a coach have expressed apprehension over the impact of jet lag before the football game. Flight tracking site FlightRadar24 estimates the flight to Melbourne will take 13 hours and 22 minutes.
In a post on X, San Francisco defensive lineman Keion White said: “Take 5 melatonin, go to sleep. As soon as I wake up, I’m taking 5 more.”
Asked by a reporter how excited he was for the trip to Melbourne, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said: “Are you trying to get me in trouble?
“I’m just hoping our team is healthy enough and has the time to get there and prepare for it.
