Double Jets, Double Play: The Dodgers’ Two‑Plane Strategy and the World Series Clincher
QSWH - November 2, 2025
Los Angeles, CA — When the Dodgers secured their latest championship in Game 7 of the World Series on November 1, 2025, the headlines roared with talk of clutch swings, thrilling double-plays, and clubhouse celebrations. But another story took flight long before the first pitch—one centered on the team’s unique aeronautical strategy. After a trial run in 2024, the strategy of using two chartered jets—a move for both performance and preparation—was formally adopted for the 2025 season.
In May 2025, several media outlets reported that the Dodgers were operating two chartered aircraft on road trips: one exclusively for players, and a second for coaches, staff, equipment, and other personnel. Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote, “You think the Dodgers have plenty of money? They are the first team to use two planes on all of their road trips — one dedicated solely to players — costing the team at least $6 million.”
Forbes reports that the Dodgers generated $752 million in revenue for the 2024 season, placing them among the top teams in Major League Baseball by earnings. The team isn’t shy about spending, but its shift from a single wide-body aircraft to two planes for its sizable traveling entourage is not just about luxury. Scott Akasaki, the team’s senior director of travel, described the move as “reimagining team travel,” emphasizing the importance of rest and space for players during flights to aid in recovery.
The dual-jet charter model hasn’t come without its critics. The environmental impact of private air travel has raised concerns that might give even the most eco-conscious Dodgers fans pause — though these concerns have yet to draw significant attention, especially amid the excitement of the team’s ongoing Game 7 celebrations. Private jets emit 5 to 14 times more CO₂ per passenger than comparable commercial flights (Transport & Environment, 2021). But some argue that sports teams’ aircraft are typically fuller than those used for most private travel, potentially reducing per-passenger emissions.
The Dodgers’ flights typically operate out of major Los Angeles-area airports, including LAX and Hollywood Burbank Airport, both suitable for large aircraft. While QSWH could not find any publicly verifiable report confirming the exact airport used for the Game 7 trip, some Valley residents have expressed relief that the team does not use Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Critics point to the airport’s border being just 160 feet from a residential neighborhood, and surrounded by a dense population (LA Daily News, March 14, 2025).
As the team flies home for Monday’s victory parade, Dodgers fans don’t need an aircraft to take flight. Many are soaring with excitement over yesterday’s back-to-back World Series win.
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Los Angeles will hold a parade and celebration on Monday, November 3, 2025:
Parade: Begins at 11 a.m. in downtown Los Angeles at Temple Street and Broadway.
Rally: A ticketed celebration will be held at Dodger Stadium at approximately 12:15 p.m., after the parade.
Angelenos should expect street closures.