Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that several changes coming to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may include the ability to carry a larger amount of liquids through security lines.
“But I will tell you — I mean the liquids — I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said during the Hill Nation Summit. “We’re looking at, you know, our scanners.”
She explained that she hopes the future of airports involves walking “in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and go right to your flight.”
She later told The Hill that the updates are “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.”
Under current TSA policies, travelers are “allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes” in their carry-on bag. These items are “limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.”
The announcement comes days after Noem declared travelers will no longer have to remove their shoes at checkpoints.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” Noem said earlier this month. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards. This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel.”
