Body paint to BBQ: Super Bowl travel tips for Chiefs fans

You’d think that with the Kansas City Chiefs appearing for the third time in the Super Bowl in four seasons, their fans would know how to travel.

Just in case, the Transportation Security Administration has shared travel tips for football fans headed to Arizona for Super Bowl LVII so they can “fly like winners” — and yes, you can take that KC barbecue along with you.

Travelers should expect to see Kansas City International Airport busier than it typically is this time of year as fans head to the game, the TSA said in a news release.

Average daily passenger volume at MCI is expected to jump from 12,000 to 17,000 in the days leading up to Sunday’s game, according to TSA estimates. Because of this, travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight and be ready to go through the security screening.

“Planning is critical when traveling on busy weeks like this,” Angela Brooks, TSA Federal Security Director for Missouri, said in the news release. “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.”

So what can be carried on the flight and what needs to be checked?

Don’t worry if you can’t go more than a couple days without your favorite Kansas City barbecue. You can take it with you. Solid foods can be packed in a carry-on.

For those wondering what determines whether a food item is solid or liquid, the TSA had this advice:

“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,” the TSA said.

How about Chief’s red, gold and white body paint? Definitely. But 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,” the TSA said. “If you plan to bring enough to cover your entire body, you’ll want to pack it in your checked bag.”

Souvenir items, including game programs, hats, helmets, footballs, pennants, clothing, plastic cups and flags may be packed in a carry-on or checked bag. Same with empty beer cans with the Super Bowl logo. Cans with beer in them, however, need to be packed in a checked bag.

Still unsure what can be packed in a carry-on bag? The TSA has the myTSA app for iOS and Android devices which has a “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly.

Travelers can also ask on Twitter or Facebook messenger at @AskTSA or text “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872). The TSA’s website also has information on preparing for a flight.

This story was originally printed February 8, 2023, 9:50 AM.