Full Breakdown
TSA Weighs Allowing Full Water Bottles for PreCheck Travelers
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Development: Proposed Change to Liquid Rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is evaluating a policy that would let TSA PreCheck members carry full-size water bottles through security checkpoints at a limited number of airports. The proposal is tied to the deployment of advanced three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scanners capable of distinguishing water from other liquids. No specific airports have been named, and officials say any rollout would likely occur “in the coming months,” but not before the holiday travel season.
Background & Context
- 1990s-2000s security evolution – After a foiled trans-Atlantic plot in August 2006, the TSA banned all liquids in carry-on bags and later instituted the “3-1-1” rule, limiting containers to 3.4 ounces (?100 ml) in a single quart-size bag.
- Recent liberalizations – Over the past two years the agency has introduced several PreCheck-related perks: a “Gateside by TSA” program allowing ticket-less access at 13 airports, the removal of mandatory shoe removal for all travelers, and expanded eligibility for keeping shoes, belts and light jackets on during screening.
Data & Statistics
- PreCheck cost – Membership typically costs less than $100 for a five-year period (approximately $85 – $95 depending on the enrollment provider).
- Screening speed – TSA reports that the PreCheck lane averages about a 10-minute processing time.
- Technology gap – Only airports equipped with the newer CT scanners can reliably scan full bottles; many smaller facilities lack such equipment, limiting immediate nationwide applicability.
Official Statements & Responses
- The agency also noted that any policy changes will be announced through official channels and encourages travelers to follow TSA’s social-media accounts and the AskTSA portal.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Airport selection – ABC News and CBS News both cite the need for CT scanners but differ on whether the TSA has already identified the first airports; no definitive list has been released.
- Funding constraints – Fox News reports that the TSA lacks sufficient funding to acquire enough CT scanners for a broad rollout, whereas other outlets do not mention budgetary issues.
- Timeline uncertainty – Sources agree the change will not occur before the holiday travel season, yet the exact date of implementation remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “TSA will continue to explore opportunities to enhance security and improve the traveling experience for the public. As technology evolves, TSA’s multi-layered security protocols will evolve including benefits for our most trusted travelers.” — USA TODAY
- “It’s 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,” — Kristi Noem, then-homeland security secretary
What’s Next
The TSA has indicated that any amendment to the liquid-carrying rules will be communicated through its official channels. Travelers are advised to monitor TSA announcements and the agency’s AskTSA service for updates on which airports may participate and when the new policy could become effective.
