News
Ruling could complicate Jays' travel
Bans Canadian charter flights from making multiple US stopsBy Ed Eagle / MLB.com
09/06/09 9:26 AM ET
A recent ruling by the United States Department of Transportation banning Canadian charter flights between American cities could ground the Blue Jays on their upcoming road trip to Detroit and have a major impact on their future travel plans.The Jays begin a four-game series in Detroit on Friday before continuing their 10-day trip with stops in New York and Tampa.
"We're hoping they settle the ban," Jays traveling secretary Mike Shaw told the Toronto Star. "We don't see any issues at the moment, but you have to be ready all the same."
Before the August ruling, Canadian charter flights carrying sports teams could make stops in several U.S. cities throughout a road trip. Now, such charters can make just one stop before heading back to Canada.
In response to the U.S. ruling, the Canadian government has issued a similar ban on American charters traveling within Canada.
The Jays had planned to use a U.S. charter to fly from Toronto to Windsor, Ont., before busing in across the border to Detroit, but the plan was nixed by Canadian authorities, according to the Star. The Blue Jays then booked a direct flight to Detroit, but they could be forced to travel by bus from Toronto to Detroit if the Canadian government prohibits the direct flight as well.
Because the Basic Agreement bans bus travel of more than 200 miles, the Blue Jays would have to get the approval of the Major League Players Association in order to make the trip.
"Fortunately, it's not very far," Shaw told the newspaper.
While talks between the U.S. and Canada are ongoing, Shaw said that the team will likely bus to Buffalo, N.Y., and fly to their road destinations from there if the dispute continues into the 2010 season.
Ed Eagle is a reporter and producer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
