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
Baby Emmanuel's father Jake Haro sentenced to 25 years to life in 7-month-old son's murder

Justice Served: Jake Haro Receives 25 Years to Life for Tragic Murder of 7-Month-Old Son

In Riverside, California, Jake Haro received a sentence of 25 years to…
Newly released video shows cops cuffing teen linked to violent sex assault scandal that has families fuming

Shocking Video Surfaces: Police Detain Teen Suspect in Controversial Sex Assault Case, Igniting Public Outrage

Recently unveiled body-camera footage captures the arrest of a teenager implicated in…
Family blocked from Gottleib Hospital visit now looking for Ricardo Aguayo Rodriguez, arrested by Border Patrol in Melrose Park

Family Denied Hospital Visit Seeks Answers on Ricardo Aguayo Rodriguez’s Arrest by Border Patrol in Melrose Park

In Melrose Park, Illinois, Ricardo Aguayo Rodriguez’s family finds themselves in a…
Air India sole crash survivor says he feels like 'luckiest man' alive but struggles with trauma

Air India Crash Survivor Shares Emotional Journey: From Feeling ‘Lucky’ to Battling Trauma

The sole survivor of the Air India crash that occurred in June…
'Cusp of revival': Blackshear city officials push for downtown business boom with new organization

Revitalizing Blackshear: City Officials Launch Initiative to Ignite Downtown Business Growth

In a strategic move to breathe new life into their downtown area,…
Election Day 2025: Here are the key states with major races

Election Day 2025: Spotlight on Pivotal States Hosting Major Races

As the calendar turns to November 4, 2025, voters in various states…
Video: Police interview man accused of killing Uber driver due to 'stress'

Stress-Induced Tragedy: Police Release Video Interview of Man Accused in Uber Driver’s Fatality

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A tragic case in Albuquerque has led to an…
The View issues panicked legal correction after Whoopi Trump slur

Whoopi Goldberg’s Controversial Trump Comment Sparks Urgent Legal Response on The View

During a live broadcast of “The View” on Monday, Whoopi Goldberg received…