Updated September 3, 2026 — 6:08pm,first published 12:58pmA double-decker Qantas jet bringing the San Francisco 49ers to Australia has set off on its journey across the Pacific, before next week’s much-hyped NFL clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.The A380, which has been stocked with larger-sized Qantas pyjamas for the long-haul flight, took off from San Francisco at 11.44pm US time on Wednesday (4.44pm Thursday AEST).The jet is set to land at Melbourne Airport on Friday, before the NFL match between the 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams on Friday next week.The massive plane has 14 first-class and 70 business-class seats (Qantas supplies pyjamas for passengers in business class and above on long-haul flights), as well as 341 economy seats.The 49ers have 53 players on their bench. It is not clear who else is flying on the charter jet.In a sign of the large number of support staff and others making the journey, alongside the players, San Francisco media showed footage of seven buses with police escorts, taking the team to the airport.Pyjamas on board the Qantas flight carrying the San Francisco 49ers.Qantas/49ersSan Francisco’s international terminal was illuminated red and gold, the 49ers’ colours, to farewell the team on their trip across the ocean.Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, meanwhile, has prepared with special signage indoors and out, to celebrate the first NFL match to be held on Australian soil. Tickets for the landmark Melbourne fixture are largely sold out despite the match starting at 10.35am AEST on a weekday.Passengers get complimentary pyjamas in Qantas business class.But for all the excitement, a trip across the Pacific for American football players brings some unknowns too.San Francisco’s football players and a coach have expressed apprehension over the impact of jet lag before the football game. Flight tracking site FlightRadar24 estimates the flight to Melbourne will take 13 hours and 22 minutes.In a post on X, San Francisco defensive lineman Keion White said: “Take 5 melatonin, go to sleep. As soon as I wake up, I’m taking 5 more.”Asked by a reporter how excited he was for the trip to Melbourne, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said: “Are you trying to get me in trouble?“I’m just hoping our team is healthy enough and has the time to get there and prepare for it.“Once we do get there, we’re going to have fun playing in another country. It’s going to be a cool atmosphere.”Qantas said it didn’t comment on charter flights. In April, the airline announced a deal with the National Football League to be its official airline partner in Australia and New Zealand.Last week, Qantas confirmed it would start retiring the A380 from the middle of 2028.Melbourne Airport on Thursday. Melbourne AirportWhile the 49ers have chosen to get used to Australia’s timezone well before the game, the LA Rams are scheduled to arrive the day before the September 11 MCG match.How much the jet lag and the adjustment to the timezone – not to mention the comfortable pyjamas – will affect the performance of two teams remains to be seen.The 49ers have been approached for comment.The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the day’s trading. Get it each weekday afternoon.Chris Zappone is a senior reporter covering aviation and business. He is former digital foreign editor.Connect via X, Facebook or email.From our partners