TSA may ease liquid size limits next, Noem says
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TSA checkpoints currently have limits on how much liquid passengers can take through security. Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The Transportation Security Administration's security protocols could be in for another shakeup — this time involving the long-standing limits on carry-on liquids.
The big picture: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said TSA is looking to modify the liquid rule Wednesday at the Hill Nation Summit.
- Noem's comments come eight days after TSA ended the "shoes off policy" and more than two months after the Real ID enforcement deadline.
Driving the news: Noem said she's questioning "everything TSA does," hinting that the next big update could target the 3.4-ounce liquid limit.
- "The liquids, I'm questioning," Noem said. "So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be," she added.
- "We have put in place in TSA a multilayered screening process that allows us to change some of how we do security and screening so it's still as safe."
TSA liquid restriction
State of play: Currently, TSA rules say travelers are "allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint."
- These items are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item.
- The rule was put in place in 2006 after authorities thwarted a plot to use liquid explosives.
The fine print: Larger liquid items, like shampoo bottles or water bottles, must go in checked baggage — with some exceptions for medications and baby formula.
- The TSA lists what items are allowed to bring in carry-on or checked bags on its website.
When will TSA liquids rule change?
What's next: Noem did not provide a timeline nor specifics for what changes might be coming.
- "Hopefully, the future of an airport, where I'm looking to go is that you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and go right to your plane," Noem said, noting it could take "one minute."
- Noem told The Hill after the summit that this was "not certainly anything we'll be announcing in the next week or two."
- "But we're working to see what we can do to make the traveling experience much better and more hospitable for individuals, but also still keep safety standards," she said.
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