SIGNIFICANT changes may be on the horizon after two decades of squeezing, measuring, and praying your lotion will make it through TSA security checks.
The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule started in 2006 and, since then, has dictated that liquids, gels, and aerosols in a carry-on bag must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces.
TSA teases removal of 3-1-1 policy, which has placed heavy restrictions on liquid products (stock Image)[/caption]
The 3-1-1 rule dictates that liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags cannot be larger than 3.4 ounces per passenger and must fit into a quart-sized bag (stock image)[/caption]
Now, TSA is considering ending the 3-1-1 rule due to travel upticks and customer feedback.
“Hopefully we will have something to announce in the coming months, but we are working hard every single day to really optimize the seamlessness and the customer experience for every passenger,” TSA deputy administrator Adam Stahl told KOMO News.
“We would never do anything to jeopardize the security of American passengers, American travelers, but we’re also really being receptive to some of the feedback of American travelers.”
TSA still follows the 3-1-1 rule for now, which requires all liquids to fit into one quart-sized, clear, reusable bag per passenger – this applies to makeup and toiletries as well.
The only exceptions to this policy are liquids that have been declared for children, such as baby food and formula, and anything needed for medical purposes.
“We’re really trying to focus on expediting and removing burden for travelers, particularly areas of high propensity for military travelers,” Stahl said.
“These are small things we could do for them to help, just remove the burden of travel to get home to their loved ones, to and from.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously teased the end of the 3-1-1 policy in July, stating that screening technology can now detect larger liquid products.
“I will tell you — I mean the liquids — I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said at the Hill Nation Summit in Washington, DC.
“We’re looking at, you know, our scanners.”
Noem also added that her vision for “an airport where I’m looking to go is [one where] you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner, and go right to your flight.”
She noted that the 3-1-1 rule “is still a process that is protecting people who are traveling on our airlines,” but added that “it has to make sense.”
“It has to actually do something to make you safer,” she said.
While the change has been considered, actual changes in the policy likely won’t be made until 2040, according to a TSA spokesperson who spoke with Travel + Leisure.
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule
The Transportation Security Administration regulates the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that flyers can bring through airport security with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The 3-1-1 rule consists of the following:
Each container of liquid has to be 3.4 ounces or less.
All liquids have to fit in one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag.
Finally, passengers can only bring one bag of liquids each.
“TSA is still deploying Computed Tomography (CT) units that are capable of screening larger sizes of liquids; however, the agency will not be able to change the current 3-1-1 liquids rule for some time to come, because there are about 2,000 screening lanes in about 430 airports,” the spokesperson told the outlet.
“We are anticipating that it may not be until 2040 that we have CT units fully deployed across the nation and have the capability of changing the requirement across the system.”
TSA CHANGES
TSA has already started rolling back on certain policies, including the shoe removal rule that was lifted this summer for most travelers after 19 years.
TSA now allows travelers to keep their shoes on when going through security checkpoints.
Recently, TSA also reminded flyers that creamy spreads such as hummus, dips, spreads, and creamy cheeses fall under the 3.4-ounce rule and are not allowed in carry-on bags.
However, solid snacks such as chips, candies, and pretzels are allowed.
TSA also began enforcing the use of REAL IDs in airports.
Travelers must now present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, such as a valid passport, for domestic flights.
TSA has also cracked down on items in checked bags, such as power banks, cell phone battery charging cases, a variety of batteries, and portable rechargers.
Cordless hair tools can also result in fines up to $2,750 due to flammable lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries, and gas or butane fuel packs needed for the tools.
