Football fans heading to Miami for the Capital One Orange Bowl have a new travel option, thanks to American Airlines.
The airline has introduced special non-stop flights between Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (MDT), and Miami, Florida (MIA), just in time for the highly anticipated matchup between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Penn State vs. Notre Dame Showdown
The Orange Bowl, set for Thursday, January 9, at 7:30 PM local time, will see the Penn State Nittany Lions face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
After Penn State’s decisive victory over Boise State on December 31 and Notre Dame’s triumph over the Georgia Bulldogs, fans are gearing up for an exciting clash.
Special Flights for Football Fans
American Airlines quickly responded to the heightened demand by adding direct flights from Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) to Miami International Airport (MIA). These flights provide a convenient option for Penn State fans traveling to cheer on their team.
Typically, American Airlines only operates mainline services from Harrisburg to Charlotte (CLT) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), with regional services to cities like Philadelphia and Boston. Seasonal flights to Miami were scheduled to begin in mid-February, but the Orange Bowl has prompted an earlier start.
Flight Details
The special flights are operated on American’s Airbus A321neo, which features:
- 20 seats in first class
- 47 seats in Main Cabin Extra
- 129 seats in economy
Schedule: Harrisburg to Miami
- Tuesday, January 7, 2025: Flight AA509 departs Harrisburg at 12:05 PM and lands in Miami at 2:53 PM (2 hours, 48 minutes).
- Wednesday, January 8, 2025: Flight AA509 follows the same schedule.
Schedule: Miami to Harrisburg
- Friday, January 10, 2025:
- Flight AA509 departs Miami at 8:30 AM and arrives in Harrisburg at 11:12 AM (2 hours, 42 minutes).
- Flight AA567 departs Miami at 4:05 PM and arrives in Harrisburg at 6:47 PM (2 hours, 42 minutes).
Ticket Pricing
As of now, round-trip tickets are priced as follows:
- Main Cabin: $932
- Main Plus: $989
- Main Select: $1,015
- First Class: $1,535
Boosting Capacity
Each Airbus A321neo accommodates up to 196 passengers. With four direct flights scheduled, American Airlines will provide a total of 784 seats between Harrisburg and Miami during this period, ensuring plenty of options for fans eager to watch the game live.
About the Orange Bowl
The Capital One Orange Bowl is one of college football’s most storied traditions, having been played annually in Miami since 1935.
The game now takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, home to the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes. Alongside the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Sun Bowl, it is among the oldest bowl games in the United States.
This collaboration between American Airlines and the Orange Bowl highlights how airlines adapt to meet the demands of major sporting events. With these added flights, fans of the Penn State Nittany Lions have a seamless way to support their team as they take on Notre Dame in this year’s Orange Bowl.
1. What is the purpose of these special flights?
American Airlines introduced direct flights between Harrisburg (MDT) and Miami (MIA) to accommodate fans traveling to watch the Capital One Orange Bowl, where the Penn State Nittany Lions will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
2. When are the special flights scheduled?
Harrisburg to Miami:
- Tuesday, January 7, 2025: Flight AA509 departs at 12:05 PM and arrives at 2:53 PM.
- Wednesday, January 8, 2025: Flight AA509 departs at the same time.
Miami to Harrisburg:
- Friday, January 10, 2025:
- Flight AA509 departs at 8:30 AM and arrives at 11:12 AM.
- Flight AA567 departs at 4:05 PM and arrives at 6:47 PM.
3. What aircraft will be used for these flights?
The flights will be operated using the Airbus A321neo, which offers:
- 20 seats in first class
- 47 seats in Main Cabin Extra
- 129 seats in economy
4. How many seats are available in total?
With four flights scheduled, American Airlines will provide 784 seats between Harrisburg and Miami.
5. How much do tickets cost?
Round-trip ticket prices are as follows:
- Main Cabin: $932
- Main Plus: $989
- Main Select: $1,015
- First Class: $1,535