How Many Private Jets Fly to the Super Bowl? Here’s What the Numbers Show

If the Super Bowl is America’s biggest game, then the private aviation side of it is basically the Olympics of “good luck finding parking.”

Every year, the host city gets hit with a sudden storm of business jets — owners, celebrities, sponsors, executives, media… and that one friend-of-a-friend who “knows a guy with a Gulfstream.”

‍

Last year’s hard numbers: New Orleans (Super Bowl LIX)

‍

For Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans (Feb. 2025), WINGX data showed 611 business jet arrivals from Friday through Sunday before the game — compared to 109 arrivals the prior weekend.

In other words, private jet traffic didn’t just increase… it exploded.

That same WINGX-based reporting noted NetJets led the surge with 160 arrivals into the New Orleans area during that window.

So when people say “Super Bowl weekend is busy,” in aviation terms they mean: your normal weekend becomes a call-ahead-for-everything weekend.

‍

A quick “how big can it get?” comparison: Las Vegas (Super Bowl LVIII)

‍

The year before, Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas (Feb. 2024) was even more intense on total activity—882 private jets were reported landing/operating in the area ahead of the game (as reported using WingX tracking).
‍
Vegas is built for chaos.

Some cities are built for charm.

Big difference when you’re trying to park 800 airplanes.

‍

What about this year: Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara (Feb. 8, 2026)

‍

Super Bowl LX will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026.

The Bay Area is treating it like the aviation version of a moon landing — carefully planned, tightly coordinated, and not particularly friendly to last-minute improvising.

The FAA has already implemented a Special Event Reservation / PPR (Prior Permission Required) program for February 4–9, 2026 due to anticipated traffic levels. NBAA guidance echoes the same message: slot reservations will be required at selected airports during peak dates.

Translation: this is not a “we’ll figure it out next week” kind of trip.

‍

Expected private jet volume (what we can responsibly say)

‍

We don’t yet have a single official “X jets will arrive” figure published for the Bay Area this year. But we do have strong signals:

• Recent Super Bowls have drawn hundreds of business jet arrivals in just the Friday–Sunday pre-game window (611 in New Orleans).
• Other host cities have seen 800+ total aircraft movements around Super Bowl week (Vegas at 882).
• The FAA/NBAA slot and PPR structure is in place specifically because the region expects a significant spike in business aviation demand.
  
  

SOLJETS expectation: plan like the Bay Area will see “several hundred” arrivals in peak days and heavy week-long pressure across multiple airports. If you’re traveling in/out around Friday–Monday, assume busy ramps, limited parking, and tighter departure windows.

‍

Where to fly in: best airport strategy for Levi’s Stadium

‍

Levi’s Stadium is in Santa Clara, so your airport choice becomes a balance of proximity versus flexibility.

‍

Closest major option: San Jose (SJC)

‍

SJC is roughly 5 miles from Levi’s Stadium.

‍

Incredible convenience. Likely the first to fill up.

Peninsula options: San Carlos (SQL) + Palo Alto area

‍

San Carlos (SQL) sits about 20 miles from the stadium.

‍

A strong option for Peninsula-based stays, but expect restrictions and advance planning requirements during Super Bowl week.

‍

East Bay capacity play: Oakland (OAK)

‍

OAK is approximately 33 miles from Levi’s Stadium.

‍

Farther drive, but often a smart strategy when closer airports become parking-restricted or slot-constrained.

‍

What to expect flying private on Super Bowl weekend

‍

Here’s the real vibe:
‍

• Slots & permissions: Expect PPR/slot reservations and less wiggle room if you try to “just move it an hour.”
  
  
• Ramp congestion & parking limits: Some aircraft may need to drop, reposition, and return later (or park farther out).
  
  
• Longer turn times at peak moments: The big pressure points are Friday arrivals and post-game departures (Sunday night + Monday).
  
  
• Ground transportation becomes the bottleneck: Your flight can be flawless… and then your SUV sits in Super Bowl traffic. Planning pickup routes matters.

‍

Big picture

Super Bowl weekend is one of the clearest examples of supply and demand in business aviation.

When hundreds of aircraft converge on one metro area at the same time, preparation isn’t optional — it’s the difference between smooth and stressful.

If you’re planning to attend Super Bowl LX, now is the time to secure slots, parking strategy, and ground logistics.

The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have.

‍