Will TSA Liquid Rules Ever Change? Here’s What Travelers Should Know

The Transportation Administration Security (TSA)’s 3-1-1 liquids rule has been in effect for more than 2 decades. Travelers can bring liquids in their carry-ons as long as they are in travel-sized containers of up to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each and fit within a single quart-sized bag.

Despite new technology and near-constant reports of changes “coming soon,” it doesn’t seem like the TSA will change this rule anytime soon in the U.S. Still, certain technologies and restriction amendments may make lines move a bit faster or smoother — at least in certain destinations abroad. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Computed Tomography Screening Technology?

Computed Tomography (CT) scanners have the potential to change TSA liquids regulations.

According to the TSA’s website, these scanners use 3-D images and are the “latest checkpoint X-ray scanning equipment to enhance threat detection capabilities for carry-on baggage. TSA’s current screening technology for carry-on bags uses 2-D images. The CT technology applies sophisticated algorithms for the detection of explosives and other threats.”

Because these 3-D images are so clear, it’s easier for TSA officials to detect explosives and other threats and determine if a bag requires further screening.

TSA’s website also alludes to the fact that, before the 3-1-1 liquids rule fully changes, you might be able to leave your quart-sized bag full of 100 ml liquids in your suitcase when going through CT scanners.

“In the future, the goal is to keep laptops and 3-1-1 liquids inside of the bag during checkpoint screening. Under current screening procedures for this technology, laptops are allowed to remain inside the bag for screening.”

Which Airports Have CT Scanning Equipment?

As of mid-2024, TSA has installed automated screening lanes (ASLs) complete with computed tomography (CT) scanners at more than 200 airports around the U.S. Some of these include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), and West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW).

And in some of these airports, you may not have to remove your baggie of liquids if you go through the security lanes with CT scanners. For example, at CRW, “passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their travel-sized 3-1-1 liquids,” according to TSA.

Larger airports such as Miami (MIA), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), New York (JFK), Washington, D.C. (IAD), Atlanta (ATL), and Los Angeles (LAX), among many others, also feature CT scanners, and more are expected to come in the future.

Will Airports Abroad Relax Liquid Rules Before the U.S. Does?

The U.S. isn’t the only country with CT scanners in airports. Almost all the airports in the U.K. feature CT scanners. Airports in Spain, the Netherlands, France, and other European countries also have this technology, which is helping to speed up security lines and better detect possible threats. Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) and Hong Kong (HKG) use these scanners, as do many other airports in Asia.

It’s true that many of these airports allow you to keep your quart-sized liquid baggie inside your luggage when passing through CT scanner lanes. However, despite reports of some countries dropping the 100 ml liquid size limit, the U.K. and the EU still mandate the 100 ml liquid rule.

The TSA won’t be changing its liquids stance anytime soon — it may be 2042, to be exact, though our fingers are crossed for an earlier date. We talked to a TSA spokesperson who told Upgraded Points the following:

“U.S. and European partners continue to develop common testing methodologies to inform a risk-based decision and ensure optimal alignment between U.S. and European liquids requirements. Through the use of computed tomography (CT), there are opportunities for the aviation screening community to implement policy changes to permit passengers to carry on larger volumes of liquids through security screening checkpoints and onboard the aircraft. TSA continues to closely collaborate with our international partners on alternative international liquid relief strategies and how that would impact domestic operations. The Transportation Security Administration and International partners are working with CT equipment manufacturers to further enhance CT detection algorithms to detect a wider range of liquid threat volumes within various container types. Although CT technology, at current funding levels, is projected to be at full operating capability around 2042, TSA will continue to evaluate interim liquids relief strategies at domestic airports where CT has already been deployed.”

-TSA Spokesperson

The Verdict? Don’t Toss Your Quart-Sized Baggies Anytime Soon

While we have high hopes, the 3-1-1 rule is still in effect in U.S. airports, as well as in the U.K. and EU. And 2042 seems like a long time to wait.

In the meantime, if you’re hoping to speed up the time you spend in airport security lines, we suggest getting TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus. Or perhaps, limit your travels to within Brazil, where rules mandate you can take up to 300 ml of liquid on domestic flights. Upgraded Points’ Social Media & Brand Manager, Chris Hassan, flew within Brazil with 3 bottles of wine in his carry-on bag (sealed alcohol can be up to 1 liter each, up to 5 bottles) just last week.

Final Thoughts

Advancements in security technology and shifting regulations abroad indicate that significant changes to liquid restrictions may be on the horizon. However, U.S. travelers should still expect to follow the current rules. Keep in mind that breast milk and baby formula, as well as medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols, are exempt from the standard volume limits but must be declared at TSA checkpoints.