Big Travel Tips for the Big Game

Monday, January 27, 2020
Image of football player running with football

And then there were two: The San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs will face off in Miami for the chance to hoist the NFL’s Lombardi Trophy! While most fans will watch the festivities on TV, some are fortunate enough to attend the game. So, if you’re traveling to Miami for Super Bowl LIV, this post is for you!

A projected 90,000 passengers, flight crews and airport employees are expected to travel through Miami International Airport (MIA) on Monday, February 3rd, the day after the Super Bowl. To ensure a smooth flow through the checkpoint, TSA is deploying a number of techniques to handle the extra volume, including opening checkpoints two hours earlier, deploying 60 additional screening officers to staff checkpoint lanes. Here are a few other tips that will help you avoid a ‘penalty flag’ during your visit to Miami:

We're Fans of Proper Packing

Want to speed up your checkpoint experience? Make sure you’ve packed all of your items properly before you enter the screening area. A few common items to be aware of:

  • Food and snacks: Solid foods are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. This includes jerky, nuts, candy, baked items, fruits and vegetables. Pourable and spreadable items, such as creamy dips, barbecue sauce, peanut butter and salsa, must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
  • Alcohol: Liquids in bottles 3.4 ounces or smaller, placed in a quart-size plastic bag, are allowed in your carry-on luggage. Larger containers must be packed in your checked bag. Read here for information on traveling with alcohol.
  • Air horns: Air horns are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage due to their use of compressed gas.
  • Souvenir footballs: Inflated footballs, both miniature and full-size, are allowed in carry-on luggage.
  • Commemorative programs: Pack your Super Bowl program in carry-on luggage only. Remove the program and place it into a separate bin for screening.

We Cheer for TSA Pre✓®

If you’re a TSA Pre✓® eligible traveler, you’ll be happy to know that dedicated TSA Pre✓® lanes are available at both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI). You’ll also save time when you depart from MIA after the big game. TSA Pre✓® is recognized by 73 airlines, and membership is $85 for 5 years. If you aren’t already a member, apply now!

We’re Here to Keep You Safe

TSA is working with the NFL, local law enforcement, and our travel industry partners to keep you safe. Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) operations will be held at several transportation locations in and around the Miami area to detect and deter suspicious activity. Fans are also encouraged to report potentially dangerous situations to law enforcement or someone in authority. Remember… “If You See Something, Say Something™.”

We Look Forward to Seeing You Again

All good things must come to an end... even football seasons. When you’re ready to fly back home, remember to follow the 5-4-3-2-1 Plan:

  • 5 hours before your departure:  Check out of your hotel
  • 4 hours before your departure: Turn in your rental car
  • 3 hours before your departure: Check your bags with your airline
  • 2 hours before your departure: Get in line at the TSA security checkpoint
  • 1 hour before your departure: Be at your gate and ready to board your flight

We’re Happy to Help

If you have any other TSA-related questions, contact our AskTSA Customer Care Team on Twitter and Facebook. Our helpful staff is available daily to provide assistance.

About This Blog

The purpose of this blog is to share the latest news and helpful information with the public. If you have questions about TSA or the information presented here, please contact our AskTSA customer care team on Twitter or Facebook.

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