The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will battle it out in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8, and football fans from across the country are slated to travel to Santa Clara, Calif., for the big game at Levi’s Stadium. That could mean busier airports and longer wait times at security checkpoints.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for an influx of travelers, especially locals flying out of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). For example, average daily passenger volume at SEA, which is typically 45,000 travelers per day this time of year, is expected to grow to 54,000 leading up to Sunday’s game. The agency strongly encourages travelers to arrive at these airports at least two hours before their scheduled flight and be prepared to go through the security screening process.
“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.”
The TSA reminds passengers to remember the 3-1-1 liquids, aerosols and gels rule when packing their carry-on bags. Liquids, aerosols, and gels are limited to 3.4 ounces or less, packed in a quart-sized bag, and limited to one bag per traveler. Any item larger than 3.4 ounces that can be spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped, or poured must be packed in checked luggage.
Air travelers should also make sure to have their REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification before arriving at the TSA checkpoint. Notably, the TSA just rolled out a new $45 fee option for travelers without a REAL ID. A full list of acceptable identification is available here.
Another reminder for air passengers, especially those who don’t frequently fly, is they can now keep their shoes on when going through TSA checkpoints at U.S. airports. The agency ended the “shoes-off” policy in mid-2025.
The TSA said football fans planning to buy a Super Bowl program at the big game should pack that in their carry-on bag when flying home. Passengers may pack other souvenirs such as hats, helmets, footballs, pennants, 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. Fans who want to bring home souvenir beer cans with beer in them should pack those in a checked bag.
Travelers uncertain about whether they can pack a specific item in a carry-on or checked bag can use the free “What Can I Bring?” tool on the MyTSA app,; text “Travel” to AskTSA (275872); or message @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger.
ALSO WATCH: TSA’s Top 10 Best (and Weirdest) Airport Security Catches of 2025