
PHILADELPHIA – Football fans planning to head to New Orleans to cheer on the Eagles 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 encourage travelers to get to the airport at least two hours before their scheduled flight and be ready to go through the security screening process.
“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.”
Can’t go more than a couple hours without your Philly cheesesteak? 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 tailgating beverages.
“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 who are flying like eagles 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 green and white 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 may pack their souvenirs such as hats, helmets, footballs, pennants, programs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, plastic cups and rally flags 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. Or ask on X or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).
TSA officials also recommend 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.