When the Toronto Blue Jays clinched their dramatic Game 7 victory to secure their first World Series berth since 1993, the roar of the crowd wasn’t the only thing taking off. According to KAYAK, fans are turning their baseball dreams into boarding passes—sending flight and hotel searches soaring faster than George Springer’s Monday-night home run.
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A home run for travel
In the days following the Jays’ win, KAYAK recorded a massive uptick in travel interest between Toronto and Los Angeles, the two cities now hosting the biggest showdown in baseball. Flight searches from Toronto to Los Angeles jumped to nearly eight times the normal rate, while searches in the opposite direction surged six times higher than average. It’s clear that fans from both coasts are ready to chase history—whether that means cheering from the stands at Rogers Centre or behind home plate in Dodger Stadium.
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Hotels heating up for game week
The excitement doesn’t stop at the airport. KAYAK data shows hotel searches in Toronto for Games 1 and 2 skyrocketed more than 4.5 times compared to typical demand. As out-of-town fans and media crews scramble to secure rooms, Toronto’s hospitality sector is gearing up for its busiest week in years.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is preparing for its own influx of traveling Blue Jays fans as the series shifts west. Flights to the City of Angels for Games 3 and 4 have become hot commodities—proof that baseball loyalty doesn’t stop at the border.
Restaurants turning into mini ballparks
Even for those who couldn’t snag game tickets, the celebration is alive across Toronto. Data from OpenTable shows that restaurant reservations on October 20, the night of Game 7, jumped 38% compared to the same day last year. Bars and eateries across the city turned into communal cheering sections, with fans gathering over wings, craft beers, and big screens to witness the Jays’ triumph.
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This surge reveals how the team’s success has spilled beyond the stadium, boosting local dining scenes and creating shared experiences that bring communities together—proof that sports can move both hearts and economies.
More than a game: A cultural and economic lift
The Blue Jays’ return to the World Series is more than a sports story—it’s a citywide (and national) movement. From airports and hotels to restaurants and neighbourhood pubs, Toronto is buzzing with collective energy not seen in decades.
And the momentum isn’t just local. As KAYAK’s numbers show, the excitement stretches across borders, connecting two of North America’s biggest cities through a shared passion for baseball and a renewed appetite for travel.
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So whether you’re flying out to catch the action in person or joining the watch parties at home, one thing’s for sure: the Jays’ run has reignited more than just championship hopes—it’s put travel, community, and celebration back in full swing.
