Sports Then and Now

You love sports. You want to visit as many games this year as humanly possible. And, who knows travel better than those sportswriters who have to go from stadium to arena? Here’s what experts can tell you about their travels.

Never Check Your Bag

You’ be surprised by how much you can get into a carry-on. Most people don’t even think about how little they need for their trip. Of course, you have to follow the rules on carrying liquids onto the plane.

In case you haven’t flown on a plane since 9/11, here’s the 411:

You can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes with you in your carry-on bag or through the checkpoint area. This bag can’t be filled to the brim, of course. You are limited to containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. You must place each bottle in the small bag and separate them from your carry-on baggage. It must be done in a way that facilitates the screening process. If you have liquid in containers larger than the limit, don’t bring them. It’s rare you’d need any such items anyway.

And, it’ll save you time when you get off the plane since you won’t have to go to the baggage claim area. With some airlines still charging for checked bags, you can save yourself money, too.

Sign Up For TSA PreCheck

This a service most people still don’t know about. Let’s say you just bought your LA Dodgers tickets, and you’re in a hurry to get to Dodger’s Stadium. Problem is you’re stuck in TSA security. Well, if you have TSA PreCheck you can zip on by the security checkpoints and get on the plane.

It saves you time, and reduces the risk of you missing your flight.

TSA PreCheck is only available to passengers who have already been identified as “low risk.” If you qualify, you get expedited screening either as a member or as part of another trusted traveler group, like the U.S. military.

Many airlines participate in this program, like:

• Aeromexico
• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• Allegiant Airlines
• American Airlines
• Cape Air
• Delta Air Lines
• Etihad Airways
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Seaborne Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country
• United Airlines
• Virgin America
• WestJet

If you’re eligible, then you’ll be given a special known traveler number, or “KTN.” This will be used whenever you make your flight reservations. Participating airlines will print it on your boarding pass. When you arrive at the airport, you look for signs for the PreCheck lanes.

And, if there are lanes at the airport, you use them instead of the normal security check lanes. Because the TSA uses unpredictable security measures, you’re not guaranteed expedited screening, however. One of the benefits is that you do not have to remove your shoes, your laptop, your 3-1-1 liquids, belt, or jacket.

Eating

It’s usually best to pack food with you, unless you want the authentic stadium experience. At some stadiums, the food is excellent. At others, you’re probably better off eating cardboard. Research it before you go, just to be safe.

Joseph Fletcher loves sports, and says you cannot beat watching a game live. He has, in the past, worked as a sports photographer and knows some insider tips that he’s gleaned from sports writers and other photographers over the years.