TSA may revise liquid restrictions, DHS Secretary hints at upcoming change

“Hey, TSA, can we do one more thing? Can we stop that dumb rule of 3.4 ounces?” KIRO host Gee Scott asked. “Can we stop that? Please? Can we just get eight ounces?”

Less than two weeks after Gee clamored for a revised Transportation Security Administration (TSA) liquid policy on flights, a possible change surfaced.

TSA’s possible liquid policy change

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s comments at the Hill Nation Summit on Wednesday hinted that the current size limit for liquids could be subject to change.

“The liquids, I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said. “We have put in place in TSA a multilayered screening process that allows us to change some of how we do security and screening so it’s still as safe.”

No details were provided concerning the new sizes allowed through TSA, and Noem did not mention when the potential change could take effect.

The policy was introduced after a terrorist plot that involved liquid explosives was shut down by British police in 2006.

TSA’s current liquid policy

The TSA allows 3.4 ounces (100mL) or smaller-sized containers inside a carry-on bag currently, and all bottled liquids must fit inside a one-quart resealable bag.

As for checked baggage, containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces, regardless of the amount inside, must be put in checked luggage.

The TSA noted that common travel items must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, which includes toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion. Additionally, any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that sets off the TSA’s detectors during screening requires additional screening.

Other notable TSA policy changes

In 2006, a policy was implemented that required passengers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings, which was recently revised on July 8.

Five years before the 2006 shoe policy, Richard Reid tried to ignite a homemade shoe bomb on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami. Reid struggled to light a fuse attached to his shoes, according to the FBI, that had 10 ounces of explosive material inside.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.