Flying to the Super Bowl? Read this first

Occupants of private aircraft flying into Miami for Super Bowl XLI on February 4 need to keep important security changes in mind. The FAA is expected to issue a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) that will cover a 30-nautical-mile radius from Dolphin Stadium and that will be effective from at least two hours before the game until two or more hours after it. That means no traffic in or out of the area airports, with the exception of commercial flights at Miami International.

Unlike in years past, there will be no helicopter service from area airports to the stadium. The Miami-area executive airports will man control towers for extended hours after the game to facilitate departures, but savvy travelers will plan on delays as hundreds of corporate aircraft all compete for departure slots within the national airspace system within the same two to three hours.

The main airports serving the Miami area have made extensive Super Bowl preparations. Surplus runways will be closed to provide extra aircraft parking space. Most ground-support facilities will have extra fuel trucks, greeters, concierges, hospitality tents, crew-arrival parties, rental cars and shuttles to handle the expected influx of nearly 1,000 executive aircraft.

For those planning on leaving before the game concludes, there are options available outside the boundaries of the TFR. Fort Lauderdale Executive, Fort Lauderdale International, Boca Raton and Palm Beach airports are all gearing up for Super Bowl overflow traffic. Using the outlying airports will involve a car ride of 40 to 90 minutes each way.

The bottom line for this event: Plan ahead and plan on delays.