For nearly twenty years, U.S. airline passengers have had to comply with strict liquid restrictions, allowing only 3.4-ounce (100 ml) containers packed into a quart-size clear plastic bag. This long-standing rule is now set to change due to the introduction of advanced scanning technology by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The initial restriction was a counter-terrorism precaution meant to prevent in-flight attacks using liquid explosives. The 100 ml limit was deemed the highest volume that could potentially detonate within an airplane cabin without resulting in catastrophic damage. The policy aimed to reduce the chances of dangerous substances going undetected through security.
Now, the TSA is introducing computed tomography (CT) scanners that can examine the contents of bottles and other containers in great detail. These scanners are currently being installed at some of the busiest airports across the country. As a result, full-size liquid products could soon return to travelers’ packing lists, and the TSA has already released a list of 11 specific items that are no longer subject to the 3.4-ounce limit.
The items that no longer need to follow the three-ounce restriction include:
Over-the-counter medications
Prescription medications in gel, liquid, or aerosol form
Ice packs or gel packs for medical purposes
Food and drink intended for infants and toddlers
Wet batteries
Live fish transported in water
Biological specimens
Breast milk or baby formula
Liquid-filled teethers
Duty-free items that are sealed in tamper-evident bags
Fresh eggs
If these changes continue to move forward successfully, personal care products such as shampoo, perfume, sunscreen, and body wash may also be added to the approved list in the near future.
The TSA anticipates that the range of allowed liquids will expand gradually through 2025. For now, the CT scanning technology has already been deployed at key U.S. airports including Atlanta, JFK in New York, and LAX in Los Angeles. These locations are among the busiest travel hubs in the country, making them ideal starting points for the implementation of the new system.
Despite this progress, travelers must keep in mind that not all airports have adopted the updated technology and policies just yet. Therefore, it is important for passengers to verify current regulations by checking their specific airport’s website before their trip.
For added convenience, the TSA offers a free mobile application called “myTSA,” which includes a feature labeled “What can I bring?” This tool allows travelers to search for an item and find out whether it is permitted in carry-on luggage. The TSA can also be contacted via social media through Twitter and Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Alternatively, questions can be sent by texting the word “Travel” to 275-872.
As these changes continue to roll out, it is also important to note that international airports will take longer to implement similar procedures. Passengers flying abroad may still need to rely on their smaller, travel-size liquid containers for some time.
In a prior interview, Christopher Murgia, the TSA’s Federal Security Director for Maryland, advised travelers to pack mindfully. “Know the contents of your carry-on bag,” Murgia said.
“It’s best to begin packing for travel with an empty bag, because that way travelers are less likely to see their carry-on bag trigger an alarm. If you start with an empty bag, you know with certainty that you do not have anything prohibited inside,” he explained.
The deployment of computed tomography (CT) scanners is a major upgrade in airport security measures. According to TSA.gov, the process of installing these new security lanes began in late spring.
The CT scanners are designed to produce detailed 3-D images of the contents inside carry-on luggage. TSA officers use a touchscreen monitor to rotate these images and gain a complete view of everything inside a bag. This functionality allows for a much more thorough analysis than the older X-ray technology.
As a result, TSA agents can more effectively identify specific items without needing to physically open and inspect as many bags. Not only does this enhance security and reduce the likelihood of missing prohibited items, but it also speeds up the entire screening process for travelers.
The improved scanners mean that security staff can quickly determine if there are any potential threats in carry-on bags. The enhanced image clarity helps TSA agents work more efficiently while maintaining high levels of safety at checkpoints.
The introduction of CT technology marks a major shift in how airport security will operate in the future. By offering faster and more accurate scans, the TSA can both streamline the passenger experience and boost the overall effectiveness of its counter-terrorism efforts.
For now, the key takeaway is that while the days of strict 3.4-ounce limits on liquids may soon be coming to an end, passengers must remain informed. Since these changes are being implemented gradually, rules will vary depending on which airport you’re flying from or into.
Checking official sources before traveling, using tools like the myTSA app, and following the TSA’s social media channels are all simple ways to stay updated on current policies. In the meantime, having a clear understanding of what is and isn’t allowed can save travelers time and frustration at the security checkpoint.
Until the new system becomes standard across all domestic and international airports, being cautious and prepared remains essential. The new CT scanners offer a promising future where travelers can enjoy greater convenience without compromising on safety.