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…
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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?
They already do. I never bother to take any liquids out of my bags because they never pick it up