Jim’s Intro to Flights
Hi folks, Jim here, the only commentator who once boarded the wrong connecting flight and ended up at a figure skating invitational.
What are flights?
Flights are how teams and players travel long distances for tournaments, showcases, or playoff runs that are too far for buses or carpools. For higher levels of youth, junior, and college hockey, air travel becomes a regular part of the season. Flights bring logistical challenges, financial considerations, and a different kind of team coordination.
How does it work?
Flying with a team involves structured planning and a lot of moving parts:
- Booking: Coordinators or families purchase group tickets well in advance to secure seats and pricing.
- Team Check-In: Players often arrive together at the airport, check gear, and pass through security as a group.
- Gear Transport: Sticks and large bags are checked, sometimes as oversized or special items. Backup tape and essentials usually go in carry-ons.
- Security & Regulations: Liquids, sharp objects, and stick blades must follow TSA or equivalent regulations.
- Boarding Procedures: Teams typically board together to keep things organized.
- Flight Etiquette: Players are expected to represent the team well. There should be no chaos at 30,000 feet.
- Arrival & Transfers: Upon landing, the team gathers gear, boards buses or vans, and continues to the hotel or rink.
How do you make good decisions with it?
- Plan Early: Flights fill up fast, and group rates are better the earlier you book.
- Pack Smart: Essentials like skates, jerseys, and undergarments should go in carry-ons in case bags get delayed.
- Stay Together: Team unity matters from security to boarding.
- Respect Airport Rules: Gear is special, but the TSA doesn’t care about your tape job.
- Account for Delays: Build buffers into the schedule for weather and missed connections.
How do you master it?
Mastering team flights takes organization, responsibility, and composure. Veteran teams have routines down to a science. Everyone knows what to pack where, when to show up, and how to keep things moving efficiently without chaos.
What does it look like when done right?
A well-run flight feels almost effortless. The team moves through the airport in sync, gear arrives intact, and no one is sprinting through terminals in full warmups. Everyone lands focused, not frazzled.
Commentator’s Corner
Jim’s Take
Flying with a team is like a penalty kill. Everyone needs to know their assignment, or the trip can become disorganized fast.
Parent Tip
Double-check packing lists, label gear, and make sure critical items are in carry-ons. A delayed stick bag can ruin a weekend.
Player Tip
Stay alert, follow instructions, and represent the team well. Airports are not the place for wandering off to hunt for donuts.
A Final Thought
Flights turn tournaments into adventures. With good preparation, air travel becomes another smooth step in the rhythm of a competitive hockey season.
