TSA showcases working canines supporting Super Bowl LX security operations

SAN FRANCISCO - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is hosting some special guests this week, helping to keep the public safe and secure leading up to and in the days after Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California.

About 30 TSA explosive detection canines and their TSA handlers are in town to assist with security operations at key venues throughout the Bay Area as well as at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). These working canines are specially trained to detect explosives and explosive components. Some of the teams work regularly at SFO while others have come from airports across the country.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has classified Super Bowl LX as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1, which qualifies it for extensive federal support. More than 150 TSA personnel are currently involved in dedicated security operations in and around the San Francisco area.

At the airport, TSA's use of explosive detection canines significantly enhances the efficiency of the security screening process, serving as an added layer of security. Away from the airport, the dogs can use their keen sense of smell to augment existing security efforts in a variety of locations including key Super Bowl venues.

The canines have been trained to navigate among large groups of people to pinpoint the source of an explosive odor, often without the source being aware and even if the source is mobile. The handlers are trained to read the dog's behavior when it indicates an explosive scent has been detected. If a dog alerts its handler to something suspicious, TSA follows an established procedure to resolve the alarm.

TSA's canines are regularly tested to ensure they maintain excellent scent capabilities. While they are sociable, they are working canines so they should not be petted or fed by anyone except their handlers.

Post-Super Bowl travel rush

Following the football game Sunday night, TSA is prepared for an influx of travelers at area airports on Monday, Feb. 9.

"TSA has been preparing to support Super Bowl LX for many months, and we're working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, as well as other local partners, to ensure a safe experience for the tens of thousands additional people visiting this week," TSA San Francisco Federal Security Director Fred Lau said. "We remain laser-focused on our security mission, and we encourage passengers to arrive early, pack smart, and bring an acceptable ID to the checkpoint."

TSA works closely with its airport and airline partners to project the number of passengers expected each hour and staff appropriately to meet demand. Travelers can also expect to see explosive detection canines working in and around the security checkpoints, adding an additional layer of security at the airport.

Ground-based operation teams will also be working in the airport and nearby Super Bowl events. These teams are part of a nationwide transportation security program that can work in any transportation facility. They are intended to supplement existing security resources and provide a highly visible law enforcement presence.

With the number of people expected to travel by air over the next several days, TSA is advising that all travelers plan to arrive at the airport early and prepared for every step of the travel process including security screening. Please be aware of the contents of carry-on luggage to avoid bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint. 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. TSA this week rolled out the new modernized TSA ConfirmID program. For a $45 fee, travelers without a REAL ID or another form of acceptable ID such as a passport can use this optional alternative identity verification system. You can find TSA's full list of acceptable forms of ID at TSA.gov/travel/security-screening/identification. People with acceptable forms of ID do not need to use TSA ConfirmID.

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.

Football fans planning to buy a Super Bowl program should pack that in their carry-on bag when flying home after the big game. 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.

TSA also recommends travelers visit the agency's website, TSA.gov, which has a lot of helpful information on preparing for a flight and what to expect.

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