Liquid carry-on limits 'may be the next big announcement' from TSA
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hinted at potentially changing the liquid size requirements for carry-on luggage.
- The TSA is exploring new technologies and will pilot programs at select airports before nationwide implementation.
- Currently, liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces per container with exceptions for essential items.
Days after announcing that travelers would no longer need to take their shoes off for TSA screening before flights, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hinted at another possible change.
Speaking at The Hill and NewsNation’s Hill Nation Summit on Wednesday, Noem said, “The liquids I'm questioning, so that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be.”
Homeland Security oversees the Transportation Security Administration.
Currently, air travelers are limited to taking 3.4 ounces of liquid per container through airport security, with exceptions for items like medicine, breastmilk/formula and baby food.
Travelers who accidentally pack more in their carry-on bags get flagged for extra screening, prolonging the process for them and potentially fellow travelers.
“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 flight,” Noem told NewsNation host Blake Burman. ”Takes you one minute to get through."
When the Secretary announced travelers could keep their shoes on for screenings on July 8, she noted that TSA has made advancements in its screening procedures.
At Wednesday’s summit, Noem added, “I'm working with several different companies with technologies to give us competitive bids on what they actually can do, and you will see us pilot this at a couple of airports before it gets implemented nationwide.”
The Department of Homeland Security and TSA told Paste BN in a statement: “Secretary Noem and TSA are constantly looking for ways to enhance security and improve the travel experience for the public. Any announcements on policy changes will be made through official channels.”