In 2006, the TSA imposed a strict 3.4-ounce limit on any liquids, gels, and aerosols brought through airport security in a carry-on bag. The liquids must be contained inside one quart-sized bag, and only one bag is allowed per passenger, earning this regulation the nickname of “the 3-1-1 rule.” In recent years, there have been rumors of a change to this rule, which would allow passengers to carry on larger bottles of toothpaste, moisturizer, and other personal items. But despite technological advances in the screening process, these rumors aren’t likely to come to fruition anytime soon. Here’s why you shouldn’t anticipate the TSA changing its liquid rules in the near future.
What Is Computed Tomography?
A major reason why airports currently impose a strict liquid limit is due to scanners in most major airports that are only capable of producing 2D images of a bag’s contents. This 2D rendering makes it impossible to accurately determine if a liquid could potentially be used as an explosive. However, a new technology known as computed tomography (similar to the technology found in hospitals) is slowly making its way to airports around the world.
These highly advanced CT scanners produce 3D images that can be viewed and analyzed in greater detail, allowing TSA officers to determine if a bag’s contents pose any risk. Once these CT scanners are rolled out en masse, theoretically airline passengers won’t need to remove any liquids or laptops from their carry-ons — but that day is still a long way away.
A Rumored Change in Europe
In 2022, airports in the United Kingdom began rolling out new CT-equipped scanners aimed at streamlining the security process. Officials hoped that once the scanners were implemented, it would allow passengers to travel with liquids of up to 2 liters in their carry-ons — 20 times as large as the current 100-milliliter (3.4-ounce) limit throughout Europe. Additional nations followed suit; new CT scanners were installed at airports in Amsterdam, Rome, and other major cities.
But hopes of a systemwide change were dashed, at least for the time being. The United Kingdom’s Department of Transport and the European Union both reaffirmed the 100-milliliter limit on liquids — a decision that was based on two primary factors. First, too many airports still lacked this advanced 3D technology, so a widespread change to the rules wasn’t yet feasible. Second, there were purported glitches with some of the scanners that caused them to function improperly. While there are hopes that, once these issues are addressed, many European countries will start to relax their liquid rules, only time will tell.
When Will TSA Liquid Changes Take Effect?
The TSA has also begun its rollout of airport security scanners equipped with computed tomography. They can be found at many major airports, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Los Angeles International, and New York-JFK. However, since the rollout of these machines is still incomplete, the TSA recently confirmed that there are no plans to relax the liquid rules anytime soon.
“We are anticipating that it may not be until 2040 that we have CT units fully deployed across the nation,” a TSA spokesperson shared with Travel + Leisure. This incomplete deployment of the new scanners means that the TSA won’t be making any major adjustments to the airport screening process for an estimated 15 years. This includes the 3.4-ounce liquid limit, which is expected to remain the same.
What Passengers Can Do in the Meantime
Anytime you take a commercial flight, you are subject to the TSA’s rules and regulations for security screening. Until the agency relaxes the liquid limits, travelers have no choice but to abide by this guideline. Consult the TSA website here for a simple explanation of the rules, so that you know what liquids are allowed in your carry-on and what has to be put in your checked bag.
Any liquids that are purchased at the airport duty-free shop, however, are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule. This includes liquids bought internationally before traveling to the U.S. on a connecting flight. Be sure the liquids are still in their secure, tamper-evident bags and were purchased in the last 48 hours, and keep your receipt handy in case a TSA agent asks to see it.
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