Football fans planning to head to New Orleans to cheer on the Eagles or Chiefs can fly like winners if they follow a few travel tips before their flight to the big game and back home with their stash of Super Bowl souvenirs according to a TSA release.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials expect heavy travel volume out of Kansas City International Airport (MCI) this week as locals head to Super Bowl LIX. Average daily passenger volume, which is typically 12,000 passengers per day this part of the year at MCI, will grow to an expected 17,000 daily leading up to the game on Sunday.
TSA encourages travelers to get to the airport at least two hours before their scheduled flight and be ready to go through the security screening process.
“Planning is critical when traveling on busy weeks like this,” said Angela Brooks, TSA Federal Security Director for Missouri. “Arriving to the airport with extra time and knowing what can and can’t be packed in carry-on and checked bags will save you time and keeps things moving quickly at checkpoints.”
“We strongly suggest that Eagles fans don their green, pull on their jersey and arrive at the airport with extra time and know what can and can’t be packed in carry-on and checked bags,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania and Delaware. “Doing so will save you time and keeps things moving smoothly at our security checkpoints.”
“Eagles fans can get a Philly pretzel or a cheesesteak in the terminal to eat while waiting at their gate before departing on their flight or save it to snack on while in the air,” Spero said. “Maybe pack a couple Tastykakes to nibble on during the game itself. Go Birds!”
Passengers should also remember the 3-1-1 rule when packing liquids for carry-on bags. Liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces or less, packed in a quart-sized bag and limited to one per passenger. If you’re planning to bring red and gold paint to cover your face during the game, that should be enough. If you plan to bring enough to cover your entire body, you’ll want to pack it in your checked bag.
Looking to bring home some beignets from the Big Easy? No problem! Passengers can bring solid foods with them, however if you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it’s not a solid and should be packed in a checked bag— and that includes barbeque sauces and leftover tailgating beverages.
When returning home after the big game, TSA officials at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) are asking passengers to pack their souvenir programs in their carry-on bags and place them in a bin for screening at the security checkpoint.
Other souvenirs such as hats, helmets, footballs, pennants, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, plastic cups and rally flags may be packed in a carry-on or checked bag. Empty metal beer cans with the Super Bowl logo can be packed in checked or carry-on bags. If fans want to bring home their souvenir beer cans with beer in them, those need to be packed in a checked bag.
Super Bowl souvenir game programs should be packed in a carry-on bag and placed in a bin during screening at the security checkpoint.