TSA may end restrictions on liquid in carry-ons at US airport security, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says
Share and Follow

WASHINGTON — Travelers giddy about being able to keep their shoes on while walking through TSA checkpoints at the airport again may have something else to look forward to: changes to how much liquid they can carry.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Wednesday during a conference hosted by “The Hill” that she is questioning “everything TSA does” and spoke of possible changes to the amount of liquids travelers can tote in their carry-on baggage.

“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.”

She gave no details about precisely what those changes might be or how quickly travelers could expect to see them.

Under the Transportation and Security Administration’s current guidance, travelers can carry liquids in travel-sized containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item in their carry-on bag. Those containers must be placed in a one-quart resealable plastic bag. Bigger containers must go in checked baggage, though there are exceptions for medications and baby formula.

Noem announced on July 8 that travelers were no longer required to take their shoes off while going through screening after a pilot program showed TSA had the equipment needed to keep airports and aircraft safe while allowing people to keep their shoes on.

That policy had been in place since 2006, several years after “shoe bomber” Richard Reid’s failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in late 2001.

The limits on liquids were triggered by a 2006 incident where authorities foiled a plot to used liquid explosives smuggled aboard carry-on luggage to blow up planes.

Ever since the guidelines were put in place TSA checkpoints have been the scene of travelers quickly guzzling water, digging through luggage to find and discard a too-large tube of hair gel and chucking jars of everything from jam to bottles of coffee that didn’t meet the size requirement.

The guidance also triggered discussions – sometimes arguments – over what constitutes a liquid. Yogurt? Peanut butter? Jam and jelly? All are currently restricted to containers no bigger than 3.4 ounces as detailed on an extensive list that TSA maintains on its website titled “What can I bring?”

Noem also laid out her vision for the future of airport travel during the talk Wednesday.

“Hopefully, the future of an airport, where I’m looking to go is that you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and go right to your plane,” Noem said. “It takes you one minute.”

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Camp Mystic leader may not have seen alert before Texas floods, family says

Family Claims Camp Mystic Leader Possibly Unaware of Warning Before Texas Floods

The leader of Camp Mystic had been tracking the weather before the…
Iran's leader threatens 'even bigger blow' against US, Trump says he's in ‘no rush’ to talk

Iran’s leader threatens ‘even bigger blow’ against US, Trump says he’s in ‘no rush’ to talk

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah…
Man dies after being struck by lightning at New Jersey golf course: report

Man dies after being struck by lightning at New Jersey golf course: report

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A 28-year-old man reportedly…
Stream It Or Skip It?

Should You Watch It or Pass?

Nick Frost and Aisling Bea (known from This Way Up) play parents…
Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide but ‘likely’ had help, former lawyer claims

Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide but ‘likely’ had help, former lawyer claims

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Jeffrey Epstein’s former lawyer…
Police: Waycross man arrested in Charlotte, accused of shooting at officer

Police Report: Waycross Man Apprehended in Charlotte, Charged with Shooting at Officer

The Waycross Police Department said Kamar Anthony Boyd, 20, is also a…
Border czar: White House considering migrant worker exception

White House Explores Exception for Migrant Workers, Says Border Czar

() White House border czar Tom Homan said Wednesday that he’s awaiting word…
Julian McMahon's death certificate reveals chilling details

Julian McMahon’s Death Certificate Exposes Troubling Information

Beloved TV actor Julian McMahon received a quiet and solitary goodbye after…