Key Takeaways
• Delta adds nearly 40 new NFL flights and increases capacity on 12 routes for 2025 season.
• Detroit Lions away games get special flight schedules from Detroit to Green Bay, Baltimore, Kansas City, Philadelphia.
• New Atlanta-Berlin route supports international NFL fans attending games in Germany in 2025.
Delta Air Lines Expands Flights for 2025 NFL Season: What It Means for Fans, Travelers, and Immigration
Delta Air Lines has announced a major expansion of its flight services for the 2025 NFL Season, making it easier for football fans—including international visitors—to attend some of the year’s biggest games. The airline’s move, revealed on June 5, 2025, includes nearly 40 new flights and increased capacity on 12 existing routes. These changes are carefully timed to match the NFL schedule, with special attention given to Detroit Lions away games. This expansion is not just about sports—it also has important implications for travelers, including those coming from outside the United States 🇺🇸 who may need to plan their immigration and travel documents carefully.
Let’s break down what’s changing, why it matters, and how it could affect different groups of travelers.
Delta Air Lines’ New NFL-Focused Flights: Who, What, When, Where, and Why
Who: Delta Air Lines, one of the largest airlines in the United States 🇺🇸, is behind this expansion. The main focus is on football fans, especially those following the Detroit Lions, but the changes will benefit anyone traveling to major NFL games in 2025.
What: The airline is adding almost 40 new flights and using larger planes on 12 routes to increase the number of available seats. These flights are scheduled around key NFL matchups, making it easier for fans to get to and from games.
When: The new flights are set to begin with the start of the 2025 NFL season and will continue throughout the season, with specific dates tied to major games.
Where: The expansion covers several important routes, including Detroit to Green Bay, Baltimore, Kansas City, and Philadelphia—cities where the Detroit Lions will play away games. Other routes include Boston to Nashville, Cincinnati to Miami, and Los Angeles to Grand Rapids. Notably, Delta is also launching a new Atlanta-to-Berlin route to support fans traveling to international NFL games.
Why: Delta wants to meet the high demand from sports fans who travel to see their teams play. By adding flights and increasing seat capacity, the airline aims to make it easier and faster for fans to attend games, enjoy the full game-day experience, and return home without hassle.
Key Routes and Game Coverage: Spotlight on Detroit Lions
Delta Air Lines has made the Detroit Lions a central part of its 2025 NFL flight schedule. Here are the main routes and dates that fans should know:
- Detroit (DTW) to Green Bay (GRB): September 6, 2025 (Detroit @ Green Bay)
- Green Bay (GRB) to Detroit (DTW): September 8, 2025
- Baltimore (BWI) to Detroit (DTW): September 21, 2025 (Detroit @ Baltimore)
- Detroit (DTW) to Baltimore (BWI): September 23, 2025
- Detroit (DTW) to Kansas City (MCI): October 11, 2025 (Detroit @ Kansas City)
- Kansas City (MCI) to Detroit (DTW): October 13, 2025
- Detroit (DTW) to Philadelphia (PHL): November 14-16, 2025 (Detroit @ Eagles)
- Philadelphia (PHL) to Detroit (DTW): November 17, 2025
These flights are scheduled so that fans can arrive before the game, enjoy tailgating and other pre-game activities, and return home soon after the event. This approach is especially helpful for fans who want to make the most of their game-day experience without worrying about complicated travel plans.
Other Major NFL Matchups
Delta’s new flights also cover other important games, including:
- Boston (BOS) to Nashville (BNA): October 18, 2025 (New England @ Tennessee)
- Nashville (BNA) to Boston (BOS): October 20, 2025
- Cincinnati (CVG) to Miami (MIA): December 20, 2025 (Bengals @ Miami)
- Miami (MIA) to Cincinnati (CVG): December 22, 2025
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Grand Rapids (GRR): December 15, 2025
By offering these direct flights, Delta Air Lines is making it much easier for fans from different parts of the country to attend games that might otherwise require multiple connections or long drives.
International Expansion: Atlanta to Berlin for NFL Fans
One of the most exciting parts of Delta’s announcement is the new Atlanta-to-Berlin route. This is the first time Delta will offer direct service between these two cities, and it’s timed to support fans traveling to NFL games held in Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪. This move shows Delta’s commitment to supporting the NFL’s growing international presence and makes it easier for both American and international fans to attend games abroad.
For international travelers, this new route could simplify travel plans and reduce the need for connecting flights through other European cities. However, it’s important for travelers to remember that flying internationally often requires a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa. For example, U.S. citizens traveling to Germany 🇩🇪 for tourism or short visits usually do not need a visa, but travelers from other countries may need to apply for a Schengen visa. More information on visa requirements for Germany 🇩🇪 can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s travel page.
How Delta’s Expansion Impacts Immigration and Travel Planning
For International Fans Coming to the United States 🇺🇸
Delta’s expanded NFL flight schedule is great news for international fans who want to experience American football in person. However, these travelers need to be aware of U.S. entry requirements. Most visitors will need a valid passport, and many will need a visa or an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if they are from a Visa Waiver Program country.
- Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Citizens of countries in the VWP can travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, but they must get ESTA approval before traveling. More details and the application can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection ESTA page.
- Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2): Travelers from countries not in the VWP will need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. This process can take several weeks or even months, so it’s important to plan ahead. The official application form is the DS-160.
International fans should also check the latest entry requirements, including any health or vaccination rules, before booking their flights.
For U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad for NFL Games
With the new Atlanta-to-Berlin route, American fans have a direct way to attend NFL games in Germany 🇩🇪. U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Germany 🇩🇪, and their passport should be valid for at least three months beyond their planned stay. While a visa is not required for short visits, travelers should always check for any updates to entry rules before their trip.
For Immigrants and Green Card Holders in the United States 🇺🇸
Permanent residents (green card holders) can travel within the United States 🇺🇸 without any special documents beyond their green card and a valid government-issued ID. However, if they plan to travel internationally, they must carry their green card and a valid passport from their country of citizenship. Some countries may require a visa for green card holders, so it’s important to check entry requirements for the destination country.
Delta’s Broader Sports Travel Strategy
Delta Air Lines’ NFL-focused expansion is part of a larger plan to serve sports fans. In May 2025, Delta announced its biggest-ever college football flight schedule, adding more than 40 flights for the college football season. This follows a pattern of supporting major sporting events, such as adding nearly 2,000 extra seats for college football fans during the previous season’s bowl games.
By investing in sports-related travel, Delta is responding to strong demand from fans who want to attend games in person. This strategy helps the airline stand out in a competitive market and builds loyalty among sports fans.
Booking Information and Customer Experience
Delta Air Lines usually makes these special flights available through its regular booking channels, including its website and travel agencies. Fans interested in booking should:
- Check Delta’s website regularly for updates on flight availability and pricing
- Contact their travel agent for help with group bookings or special requests
- Be aware of Delta’s schedule change policy, especially if game times change
Delta recently updated its policy for travel agencies: if a flight schedule changes significantly, agencies must enter a special message in the booking record to confirm that the customer accepts the change instead of requesting a refund. This is important for fans booking flights tied to specific game dates, as NFL schedules can sometimes shift due to weather or other factors.
What This Means for Different Groups
For Sports Fans
- More Choices: Fans have more direct flights and larger planes to choose from, making it easier to attend games.
- Convenience: Flights are timed to allow for full game-day experiences, including tailgating and post-game celebrations.
- International Access: The new Atlanta-to-Berlin route opens up opportunities for fans to attend NFL games in Europe.
For International Travelers
- Simplified Travel: Direct flights reduce the need for multiple connections, saving time and reducing travel stress.
- Immigration Planning: Travelers must ensure they have the right documents—passport, visa, or ESTA—before booking.
For Immigrants and Green Card Holders
- Domestic Travel: No special immigration steps are needed for travel within the United States 🇺🇸.
- International Travel: Green card holders should check visa requirements for any country they plan to visit and carry all necessary documents.
For Travel Agencies
- Policy Awareness: Agencies must follow Delta’s updated schedule change policy to avoid issues with refunds or customer complaints.
- Group Bookings: Agencies can help fans organize group trips, which may include special rates or packages.
Delta’s Commitment to Reliability
Delta Air Lines has been recognized as the most on-time North American airline by Cirium, an aviation analytics firm. This reputation for reliability is important for fans who need to arrive on time for games and return home as planned. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Delta’s focus on punctuality and customer service makes it a top choice for sports-related travel.
Looking Ahead: Future Adjustments and Opportunities
As the 2025 NFL season gets closer, Delta may add more flights or adjust schedules based on team performance, playoff scenarios, and customer demand. The airline’s flexible approach allows it to respond quickly to changing needs, which is especially important for fans following teams like the Detroit Lions, whose games may become more popular as the season progresses.
Delta’s investment in sports travel shows its confidence in the continued popularity of in-person sporting events. By making it easier for fans to attend games, the airline is helping to support the broader sports community and the economic benefits that come with large events.
Practical Steps for Travelers
If you’re planning to travel to an NFL game in 2025, here’s what you should do:
- Check the NFL schedule and identify the games you want to attend.
- Visit Delta’s website to see available flights and book early for the best prices and seat choices.
- Review immigration requirements if you’re traveling internationally—make sure your passport is valid and apply for any necessary visas or ESTA approvals.
- Stay updated on any changes to game times or flight schedules, and be aware of Delta’s policies for schedule changes.
- Contact your travel agent if you need help with group bookings or have special travel needs.
For more information on U.S. entry requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel page.
Conclusion
Delta Air Lines’ expanded flight schedule for the 2025 NFL season is a win for sports fans, international travelers, and the broader travel industry. By offering more flights, larger planes, and direct international routes, Delta is making it easier than ever to attend major games—including those featuring the Detroit Lions. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a visitor from abroad, or an immigrant living in the United States 🇺🇸, these changes offer new opportunities to enjoy the excitement of live football. Plan ahead, check your travel documents, and get ready for an unforgettable season.
Learn Today
Delta Air Lines → A major U.S. airline expanding flight routes for sports fans in the 2025 NFL season.
NFL Season → Annual National Football League games played in the fall, culminating in playoffs and the Super Bowl.
Visa Waiver Program → Allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. up to 90 days without a visa.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization required for Visa Waiver Program travelers entering the United States.
Green Card → U.S. permanent resident card allowing lawful permanent residence and travel permission.
This Article in a Nutshell
Delta Air Lines expands NFL season flights in 2025, adding almost 40 new routes, focusing on Detroit Lions and launching a new international Atlanta-Berlin flight for football fans worldwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
