While most of us will be perched in front of our TVs Sunday, screaming at either the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks (or both), a lucky few will be winging their way to Santa Clara to see the big game in person.
Will it be busy? How do you get your Super Bowl swag home with you?
Even if you’re not heading to California for the game, if you’re flying home out of Boston or Seattle this weekend you may run into hordes of locals traveling to support their teams. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offered up a game plan.
What to expect at Boston, Seattle airports before the Super Bowl
Definitely plan to arrive at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) at least two hours early and have your traveling fluids bagged and your REAL ID ready.
“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 in a Feb. 3 release. “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.”
The imprint things to remember are:
- You must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification before you pull up to the TSA checkpoint. If you don’t have one (the overwhelming majority of Floridians do) you can pay a $45 fee and use the TSA ConfirmID program.
- The 3-1-1 rule: Liquids, aerosols and gels in a carry-on bag must be 3.4 ounces or less, packed in a quart-sized bag, one bag per traveler. Anything bigger that can be spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped or poured has to stay in your checked luggage.
- You can keep your shoes on. The Department of Homeland Security relaxed the rules last year, thanks to improved scanning technology.
- You may be able to take faster lines. Last year, the TSA added dedicated lanes for military members and their families, and for family groups traveling together.
Which Super Bowl souvenirs can I bring on the plane?
Obviously anyone with the means to rock up to the Super Bowl is probably going to bring stuff back. But can you get it aboard? According to the TSA:
- Super Bowl program: Pack it in your carry-on bag.
- Hats, helmets, footballs, pennants, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, plastic cups and rally flags: These can go in either your carry-on or checked bag. Your bags will still need to meet the side requirements.
- Metal beer cans with the Super Bowl logo: If they’re empty, they can go in either your carry-on or checked bag. If they’re unopened, they should stay in the checked bag.
If you’re not sure, check the free “What Can I Bring?” tool on the MyTSA app for an astounding number of things people have tried to get onboard. Or you can text “Travel” to AskTSA (275872), or message @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger.
What is REAL ID?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 and enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government create a set of standards for the “issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
Although the REAL ID law was passed 20 years ago, individual states did not immediately begin implementing the standards for issuing new identification cards. Federal REAL ID requirements finally kicked in last May.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
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