Overview
- The NCAA memo urges "extreme flexibility" due to heavy spring-break demand, possible TSA delays tied to a partial shutdown, and a nationwide dip in charter availability.
- New procedures remove early-round date and time preferences and halt a planned regional family-travel expansion for this year.
- Schools must file final passenger and equipment manifests by March 6 or risk penalties that can include $10,000 fines for missed deadlines.
- The NCAA’s travel portal will move 136 teams within 12–72 hours of Selection Sunday, with varied aircraft, alternative airports, fuel stops, payload limits, and uncertain Wi‑Fi possible.
- The toughest stretch is projected for March 17–19 with returns March 21–22, though charter experts say they see no clear signs yet of major disruption versus past tournaments.