With Super Bowl LX set for Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is urging football fans traveling from both coasts to plan ahead for heavier-than-normal passenger traffic at major airports.
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will face off in the championship game, and TSA expects increased volumes at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) as fans head to the Bay Area.
Boston Logan: TSA warns of heavier travel demand
TSA officials said they expect more travelers than usual departing BOS this week and are encouraging passengers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled flights and be prepared for screening.
“It’s important for air travelers to be fully prepared for busier than normal travel times like this,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Massachusetts Bob Allison. “If you give yourself extra time by arriving at the airport early and know what you can and can’t pack in your carry-on and checked bags, you should have a seamless, stress-free security and travel experience.”
Seattle-Tacoma: passenger volumes expected to rise
At SEA, TSA officials said average daily passenger volume—typically about 45,000 travelers per day this time of year—is expected to increase to 54,000 in the days leading up to Sunday’s game.
TSA similarly advised Seahawks fans to arrive at least two hours early and be ready for screening.
“It’s important for air travelers to be fully prepared for busier than normal travel times like this,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Washington Robert Spinden. “If you give yourself extra time by arriving at the airport early and know what you can and can’t pack in your carry-on and checked bags, you should have a seamless, stress-free security and travel experience. Go Seahawks!”
TSA reminders for Super Bowl travelers
TSA highlighted several key reminders for travelers flying out of both BOS and SEA:
- Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-on bags: liquids, aerosols, and gels must be 3.4 ounces or less, placed in a quart-sized bag, with one bag per traveler. Larger items that can be spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped, or poured must go in checked luggage.
- Bring a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to the checkpoint.
- TSA recently rolled out the modernized TSA ConfirmID program. For a $45 fee, travelers without an acceptable ID may use the optional alternative identity verification system for a 10-day travel period. TSA noted that travelers who already have an acceptable ID do not need TSA ConfirmID.
- Travelers can now keep their shoes on at TSA checkpoints at U.S. airports, which TSA said should help improve the screening experience while maintaining security.
Flying home with souvenirs
TSA also reminded fans returning from the game that Super Bowl programs should be packed in a carry-on bag. Other common souvenirs—such as hats, helmets, footballs, pennants, shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, plastic cups, and rally flags—can be packed in either carry-on or checked luggage.
Empty metal beer cans with Super Bowl branding may also be packed in carry-on or checked bags, but beer-filled souvenir cans must go in checked luggage.
(AI was used in part to facilitate this article.)