The Indiana Fever, led by star player Caitlin Clark, arrived in Dallas on Thursday for their preseason matchup against the Wings on Friday night. As the team walked past baggage claim at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, cameras captured their every move, raising discussions once again about the longstanding issue of WNBA teams flying commercial instead of charter.

The footage, shared on social media, prompted renewed commentary on the need for charter flights in the league. Former "SportsCenter" anchor Jemele Hill took to Twitter, emphasizing the importance of player safety and health, drawing parallels to Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner's efforts in pushing for charter flights.

Whitney Medworth of Homefield Apparel expressed her frustration, stating that the lack of charter flights should have been addressed years ago. The call for charter planes stems from concerns over player well-being during travel. While some WNBA stars have spoken out about the issue, the league has previously cited financial restrictions as a limitation.

The controversy surrounding charter flights was reignited two months after the WNBA announced plans to expand their use. In April 2023, Griner faced aggressive questioning by a blogger in Dallas, which led to her subsequent approval to fly charter for the remainder of the season.

With the recent addition of Caitlin Clark, the spotlight on the debate surrounding charter flights has only intensified. Clark, selected as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever in last month's WNBA draft, brings with her new audiences and fans. This raises questions about how the team will ensure security and manage commercial flights.

In response to the situation, Clark addressed the issue, recognizing that while charter flights would be ideal, the current collective bargaining agreement and media rights deal leave the Fever and the WNBA navigating the realities of commercial travel. Clark expressed hope for changes in the near future, acknowledging the league's growth and the need to adapt to the popularity of the sport.

The Indiana Fever is set to open their season on the road against the Connecticut Sun on May 14. Their home opener against the New York Liberty will follow on May 16. As the preseason game against the Wings approaches, the conversation around charter flights continues to loom over the WNBA, drawing attention to the importance of prioritizing player safety and well-being during long-distance travel.

It remains to be seen how the issue will ultimately be resolved, but with the increased attention on the subject, the voices calling for charter flights are growing louder. The coming months may bring significant changes to the travel policies of the WNBA, impacting the overall experience and safety for players throughout the league.