Liquid items in carry-ons could now be permissible at U.S. airport security, as a change in policy sees footwear back on.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is considering potential changes to the liquid restrictions in carry-on baggage at airport checkpoints, as announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a conference hosted by "The Hill" on Wednesday.
Currently, travelers can carry liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, which must fit in a one-quart resealable plastic bag. Exceptions are made for medications and baby formula. However, these restrictions may be revised, with a reevaluation of the 3.4-ounce limit and possible relaxation of size restrictions on liquid containers.
The potential changes are part of a broader review of TSA policies, following the recent relaxation of the shoes-off requirement for security checks. The aim is to update security protocols while maintaining safety, thanks to advancements in screening technology.
Secretary Noem also hinted at changes to the size of liquids travelers can carry in their carry-on baggage. The specific details about when these changes might be implemented have not been provided yet.
The current policy regarding liquids in carry-on baggage was put in place several years after Richard Reid's failed attempt to take down a flight in late 2001. Since then, travelers have often had to quickly guzzle water, dig through luggage, and discard items like large tubes of hair gel or jars of coffee at TSA checkpoints due to the liquid restrictions.
The guidance on what constitutes a liquid has led to discussions and sometimes arguments over items like yogurt, peanut butter, jam, and jelly. The TSA maintains an extensive list on its website titled "What can I bring?" which details the size restrictions for liquids in carry-on baggage.
Secretary Noem envisions a future where airport travel is more efficient, with passengers walking in the door with their carry-on suitcase, going through a scanner, and immediately boarding their plane within a minute. This vision aligns with Noem's goal of making travel more convenient while maintaining high levels of security.
[1] Source: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all [2] Source: https://www.tsa.gov/news/press-releases/2021/07/08/tsa-announces-end-shoes-removal-screening-procedure [3] Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/08/tsa-no-longer-requires-passengers-to-remove-shoes-during-screening.html [4] Source: https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/569837-noem-says-tsa-should-consider-relaxing-liquid-restrictions-in-carry-on [5] Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2021/07/08/tsa-no-longer-requires-passengers-remove-shoes-during-screening/5379150001/
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has suggested that the TSA might revise the liquid restrictions in carry-on baggage, which could potentially impact the lifestyle of travelers who currently adhere to the 3.4-ounce limit on liquids. If the restriction is relaxed, easier travel could be anticipated as part of the TSA's broader goal of modernizing airport security, possibly allowing travelers to carry larger quantities of liquids for their trips.
