TSA May Soon Ease Liquid Rules for Air Travelers

Major changes could be on the horizon for airport security. Days after announcing travelers will no longer need to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints, Homeland Security leadership hinted at another long-standing rule that may soon be relaxed: liquid limits.

During a recent summit, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggested that the current restrictions on liquids in carry-on bags could be next in line for reform. “The liquids I’m questioning,” she said, “so that may be the next big announcement—what size your liquids need to be.”

Air travelers are currently limited to carrying liquids in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces, with exceptions for items like medication, baby formula, and breast milk. Exceeding that limit results in delays and additional screening.

The idea of streamlining the entire process is gaining momentum. “Hopefully, the future of an airport is that you walk in with your carry-on, go through a scanner, and head straight to your flight,” Noem said. “It should take one minute to get through.”