As the NFL prepared for its first regular-season game in Australia, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers flew nearly 8,000 miles to Melbourne on a Qantas Airbus A380 with 84 lie-flat seats, four pilots, 22 cabin crew and one charter manager. In contrast, the Pittsburgh Steelers flew to Dublin in 2025 on Aer Lingus, which a player compared to Spirit; only a handful had business class seats by seniority.

There are no travel guidelines in the CBA, and teams choose when to travel for international games. This matters as the NFL will play a record nine international games in 2026.

ESPN obtained the NFLPA's 2026 report cards. The 49ers got a C-plus in team travel, the Rams a B. The Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots received Fs. The Miami Dolphins earned an A. Top teams—Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos—cited personal space, leg room, plane condition, amenities and advance notice.

Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss said it's nice to feel taken care of by the organization, praising owner Gayle Benson.