The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reportedly actively considering allowing TSA PreCheck passengers to start bringing liquids larger than 3.4 ounces through security checkpoints in the coming months, ending a decades-long ban. However, there are expected to be some serious restrictions associated with this…
TSA considers easing liquids ban for PreCheck members
The TSA is reportedly considering allowing PreCheck members to bring water bottles (but not other liquids) through security checkpoints at select airports, with a policy change possibly being implemented within months, according to senior administration officials.
The expectation is that the change would initially be rolled out at airports equipped with newer CT screening technology, with automated detection capabilities that can distinguish water from other liquids, and identify potential threats. This technology is not available at all airports, even for PreCheck lanes. So the idea is that no manual inspection would be required for those bringing bottled water through checkpoints.
However, as of now the TSA isn’t considering lifting liquids restrictions on a more widespread basis, so the “3-1-1” rule would otherwise remain in place. With this, each passenger can take up to one quart-size bag of these items, with no liquids being in containers of more than 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters).
Security checkpoint liquids restrictions have been in place since 2006, and while they were initially described as temporary, they’re still in place 20 years later.
This seems like a sensible step in the right direction
Obviously many people have been rooting for liquids restrictions at TSA checkpoints to end, so this would be a small first step to easing those rules.
In 2024, the TSA indicated that it had no plans to lift liquids restrictions on a widespread basis until around 2040. That timeline was intended to coincide with the anticipated full rollout of next generation screening technology.
However, in 2025, (now former) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem changed rules so that shoes no longer have to be removed at security. She also indicated that she was exploring cutting liquids restrictions ASAP. As she explained in an interview, “the day I walked in the door, I started questioning everything TSA does,” adding that “I will tell you, I mean, the liquids I am questioning.” She stated that “maybe the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” and that they’re “looking at it.”
So while it doesn’t sound like a full elimination of liquids restrictions is in the works, this would at least be something. However, I imagine there would be some confusion regarding policies differing between airports.
If the TSA were to gradually eliminate liquids restrictions at checkpoints with newer screening technology, it would match the approach we’ve seen in the European Union, where liquids rules have gradually been lifted based on the screening technology at a particular checkpoint.
Bottom line
The TSA is reportedly seriously considering allowing those with PreCheck to bring bottled water through security, but only at checkpoints with the latest screening technology. There are no guarantees this policy change will be implemented, but it’s the closest we’ve seen to an easing of the 20-year liquids ban that has been in place.
While we’ve seen liquids restrictions eased in Europe, the official narrative in the US was that current restrictions would remain in place here until 2040. So at least bottled water for select passengers at select airports is something…
What do you make of bottled water possibly being allowed for TSA PreCheck members?
It still baffles me how the wealthiest country on earth, with the largest aviation market in the world can struggle to update their technology to the latest standards.
The UK has a reputation for dragging it's feet on public infrastructure but they've managed to have a full rollout of the new technology already complete. The new scanners (and the updated biometric passport gates) are a godsend and speed up the process of getting through...
It still baffles me how the wealthiest country on earth, with the largest aviation market in the world can struggle to update their technology to the latest standards.
The UK has a reputation for dragging it's feet on public infrastructure but they've managed to have a full rollout of the new technology already complete. The new scanners (and the updated biometric passport gates) are a godsend and speed up the process of getting through the airport on both sides MUCH faster.
I was shocked when I flew from FRA to SEA a few months ago when I saw one of their security guys run a full plastic liter bottle of water through a small machine, then give it right back to the owner to put in his carry-on backpack!
Relaxed security restrictions while we are in the middle of a war in the Middle East and we are despised as a country due to current administration foreign and trade policies? Brilliant!
While I guess we should be grateful for even baby steps of progress, I'm struck by two things:
1. It seems that, at least initially, this is likely to make the screening process more, rather than less, complicated.
2. Of all administrations to begin relaxing the rules, must it be the one with the absolute worst judgment in history?
I'm all for "honest" security (as opposed to theater). So, if they feel safe with the change, great. However, it changes nothing for me. I carry an empty water bottle through TSA and fill it up post security. Will I start bringing it filled or fill it at the airport before TSA? Why? Will I start buying bottled water and bring it to the airport or buy bottled water at the airport? Nope. Will it...
I'm all for "honest" security (as opposed to theater). So, if they feel safe with the change, great. However, it changes nothing for me. I carry an empty water bottle through TSA and fill it up post security. Will I start bringing it filled or fill it at the airport before TSA? Why? Will I start buying bottled water and bring it to the airport or buy bottled water at the airport? Nope. Will it be nice to have one less conspiracy "theory" that liquid limits are there not for security but airport revenue? Yes!
I know our Leader tells us climate change is fake and it's OK to make a lot of waste, but is bottled water really the thing that we're missing? You can bring ice through in a Yeti and then fill it up at a filtered water station.
And other countries have scanners and allow liquids for years.
I travel with laundry soap because I often do laundry as I'm traveling as it reduces the amount of clothes I have to take and I'm not pressed to get laundry done when I get home. Many hotels have washers and dryers on site. My bag constantly gets selected for secondary screening. Usually, it's no big deal. They take their little strip out, test it, no alarm, I move on. Maybe 5 minutes at the...
I travel with laundry soap because I often do laundry as I'm traveling as it reduces the amount of clothes I have to take and I'm not pressed to get laundry done when I get home. Many hotels have washers and dryers on site. My bag constantly gets selected for secondary screening. Usually, it's no big deal. They take their little strip out, test it, no alarm, I move on. Maybe 5 minutes at the most. But from time to time it alarms and then all hell breaks loose. I go for secondary pat down, all my bags get tested and the cops come down with their drug testing kit. Then it's we're sorry, you're good to go. Really, their alarms do not know the difference between Tide and Meth?
I also have laundry detergent with me every trip. Since I always have a checked bag, I put it there. But, on some trips, the 23kg limit may be in question. On those trips, I have carried and used laundry strips. They work just fine and won't be an issue for carry ons.
Cool . I can bring my gin or vodka .
You can already bring your gin and vodka in standard multiple 50ml bottles. Who needs 500ml of liquor - what are you flying...Spriit?
Ha, a Spirit joke about spirits.
Reminds me of the old trick at sports stadiums where you can bring in a sandwich but not alcoholic drinks. It's amazing how well little bottles of liquor fit in a hollowed-out hoagie.
They already do. I never bother to take any liquids out of my bags because they never pick it up
Pretty sure TSA currently allow containers (so long as they're empty, refill once in the secured area at water fountains, etc.), but this would be to allow bottles including the liquid (water only), which would be a change, in the US, at least.
Right, this makes very little difference to me. I often travel with a 16oz water bottle that I just refill after security (mostly because I want access to water when driving a rental car, not because I feel like I need it in the airport or on most flights). So this is fine, but would save me 15 seconds?
What would be nice is if they relaxed the restrictions on other liquids. At least let...
Right, this makes very little difference to me. I often travel with a 16oz water bottle that I just refill after security (mostly because I want access to water when driving a rental car, not because I feel like I need it in the airport or on most flights). So this is fine, but would save me 15 seconds?
What would be nice is if they relaxed the restrictions on other liquids. At least let us bring coffee from home instead of having to drink the sludge they sell at airports (including Starbucks).