Football fans planning to head to Phoenix to cheer on the 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.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials expect heavy travel volume out of Kansas City International Airport (MCI) this week as locals head to Super Bowl LVII. 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.”
Can’t go more than a couple days without K.C. barbeque? 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 tailgating beverages.
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.
When returning home after the big game, fans should pack their game programs in their carry-on bags. 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.
Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly.
TSA officials also recommends that travelers take the time to visit the TSA website, which has a lot of helpful information on preparing for a flight and letting individuals know what to expect.
