The big Sunday football game is just days away, and fans are already heading to the Bay Area to be part of it.
Flights are filling up, airports are preparing for crowds, and local transportation will be stretched throughout the weekend. Below are the most common travel mistakes people make before and after a big game like this, and a few ways to plan ahead so your trip stays on track if plans go awry.
Why this year’s championship travel is different
This year’s championship game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks takes place on Sunday, February 8, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. While the game itself is centered in Silicon Valley, championship week events are spread across the broader Bay Area.
Fans are arriving through multiple airports, and travel between cities will be slower than usual. Road closures, heavier rideshare demand, and weekday commuter traffic add to the complexity.
When travel is tied to a fixed date and location, small miscalculations show up quickly. As the event approaches, flexibility narrows.
Mistakes to avoid in the final days before the game
Booking last-minute flights without flexibility
When you’re booking travel close to a high-demand event, flexibility disappears fast. Flights are often non-refundable or expensive to change, which leaves little room for plans to shift.
That’s where travel insurance can help. If something unexpected comes up, like extreme weather or illness, coverage can help with eligible cancellation or interruption costs. And if you’re booking now because demand is high but aren’t fully sure you’ll be able to make the trip, adding Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage can give you extra flexibility.
With Faye’s CFAR add-on, you can be covered for cancellations not typically covered under standard trip cancellation policies and still recoup up to 75% of your non-refundable trip costs, as long as you purchase this coverage within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and cancel at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled departure date.*
What to do instead:
If you are booking or finalizing flights this week, prioritize fares that allow changes to dates and times. It also helps to understand the difference between trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, especially since trip interruption can apply once travel has already begun, depending on your plan.
*Additional costs and terms apply. CFAR is not available in NY.
Overlooking short-term weather risks
Winter weather remains one of the most common causes of flight delays in the U.S. In the days leading up to travel, forecasts become more accurate and more actionable.
Even mild storms can disrupt schedules when airports and airlines are already operating near capacity.
What to do instead:
Check the forecast daily before departure and think through how delays could affect your itinerary. Morning flights are less likely to be delayed, and building in buffer time can make a meaningful difference. Side note: the Faye app also shows the weather forecast for your destinations, so you can keep an eye on conditions as your trip approaches.
Assuming Bay Area logistics will be simple
The Bay Area does not function like a single city. Fans traveling for the game may land in San Jose, San Francisco, or Oakland, then travel to Santa Clara or the surrounding areas.
During major events, traffic, road closures and increased rideshare demand can significantly extend travel times.
What to do instead:
Build extra time into ground transportation plans and avoid stacking tight commitments back to back. If you plan to use rideshares or public transit, check local advisories in advance and expect delays on game day and the morning after. Want to avoid hailing an Uber every day? Look for accommodations near public transit or within walking distance of the stadium itself.
Losing track of your total trip cost
When travel plans come together quickly, it is easy to focus on what’s next and lose track of what’s already been paid for. Flights, a place to stay, tickets, meals, rides. Each decision feels small on its own, but they add up across a few different bookings.
Most of the time, the issue isn’t overspending. It’s not having a clear sense of how much of the trip is already accounted for.
What to do instead:
Take a moment to review everything you have already paid for, including smaller items. That clarity makes it easier to make thoughtful decisions if plans need to shift. Apps like Splitwise enable you to tally up all costs and understand how much each person you’re traveling with has invested and who owes who what.
Mistakes to avoid during game weekend
Underestimating airport congestion
Airports around the Bay Area tend to feel especially busy during championship weekend. Security lines move a little slower, gates change more often, and checked bags don’t always arrive on the first carousel.
Even when your flight is technically on time, the experience itself can take longer than you expect.
What to do instead:
Give yourself more time than you normally would and keep essentials in your carry-on, including medications and a change of clothes. Stay on top of flight updates so you’re not caught off guard by gate or schedule changes.
If you’re traveling with Faye, you can add your flights in the app to get real-time alerts right on your lock screen if delays or cancellations pop up. And if a covered delay or missed connection happens, you can be reimbursed up to $200, and enjoy complimentary access to participating airport lounges when your flight is delayed by three hours or more.
Planning for the championship game without the stress
Travel around major events is rarely unpredictable. It is compressed.
Trips that go more smoothly tend to share a few things in common:
- Extra time built into schedules
- Realistic expectations about crowds and delays
- A clear understanding of what’s flexible and what’s not
- Protection in place for when things go sideways with reservations, health, or belongings
Thoughtful planning doesn’t assume something will go wrong. It prepares for what’s common during high-demand travel weeks like this one.
FAQs about travel insurance and championship-week travel
What does travel insurance help with during a trip like this?
Travel insurance can help with certain unexpected situations that come up before or during travel, such as trip cancellations or interruptions for covered reasons, travel delays, missed connections, medical emergencies, and lost or delayed belongings. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s always worth reviewing what’s included before you travel.
Is travel insurance required to attend the big game?
No. Travel insurance is optional unless it’s required by a destination or a specific tour or package. That said, many travelers choose coverage when plans involve fixed dates, nonrefundable costs, or a tight travel window.
When does travel insurance usually make sense for big events?
It often makes sense when travel is tied to a specific date and location, especially if flights, hotels, or other bookings are nonrefundable. For trips like championship-week travel, insurance can help reduce stress if something unexpected affects your plans.
