TSA’s Top 5 Super Bowl Travel Tips

On Sunday, nearly 130 million people around the world are expected to watch Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks on NBC and Peacock. For the roughly 70,000 who will be there in person at Levi’s Stadium, missing out on clever commercials and their neighbor’s homemade Super Sunday salsa is a small price to pay for the chance to witness the kind of history these teams made the last time they clashed in the NFL title game.

In February 2015, the Patriots’ Malcolm Butler intercepted a Russell Wilson pass at the goal line with less than 30 seconds left, sealing a 28-24 win at State Farm Stadium, one of the most stunning and unforgettable finishes in Super Bowl history.

The only thing worse than that loss for a Seahawks fan would have been enduring travel problems getting home. To make sure that doesn’t happen this year, the Transportation Security Administration released a series of travel tips that might make the journey to and from Santa Clara, California, go a little smoother. Here are the top five recommendations:

1. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled flight. “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.”
2. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags: liquids, aerosols and gels can not exceed 3.4 ounces; they must be packed in a quart-sized bag; and each traveler gets one such bag. Any item larger than 3.4 ounces must in a checked bag.
3. Have the proper identification (including a REAL ID) before getting to security. There is a new TSA Confirm ID program out this week, an optional alternative ID verification system that costs $45. People with acceptable forms of ID won’t need it.
4. Shoes on! It is no longer required for passengers to take their shoes off while going through security.
5. Use the free “What Can I Bring?” tool on the MyTSA app or text “Travel” to AskTSA.

Following those travel tips on the way to the game should make the return trip even easier. Of course, one team is hoping to fly home with an extra souvenir. And the Lombardi Trophy can simply be carried onboard.