For years, you’ve probably gotten used to the drill. Take your shoes off. Put your laptop in a separate bin. And most annoying of all — make sure all your liquids, gels, and creams are in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and packed into a single quart-sized bag. But change may be coming, and it could make your airport experience much smoother.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently hinted at a possible revision to the long-standing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) liquids policy. During remarks at the Hill Nation Summit on July 16, Noem suggested that the department is actively reviewing the rules, and a change could be on the horizon. This news comes just a week after the TSA announced another big update: travelers no longer need to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints.
If you’re curious about what this means for you and how it could transform your future travels, here’s what you need to know.
Why the TSA liquids rule exists in the first place
To understand why this is such a big deal, let’s revisit why the rule exists. The TSA first implemented the liquids ban back in September 2006, after intelligence uncovered a terror plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights. Since then, travelers have had to limit liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-ons to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, all fitting into a single quart-sized bag. Anything larger has had to go in checked luggage.
The rule became second nature, even though it was one of the biggest pain points for travelers. Many people forgot about the origins and just knew it was something you had to comply with or risk having your expensive moisturizer or full-size shampoo tossed into the trash.
What Kristi Noem said
At the Hill Nation Summit, Homeland Security Secretary Noem was asked about the future of TSA policies, and she didn’t hold back.
“I will tell you — I mean the liquids — I’m questioning,” she said. “So that may be the next big announcement, which is what size your liquids need to be. We’re looking at, you know, our scanners.”
Noem’s comments suggest that new technologies may soon make it possible to screen liquids safely without limiting container size. That’s a huge win for travelers tired of rationing toiletries or having to buy travel-size everything before a trip.
She also hinted at an even broader vision for the airport experience:
“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 flight.”
The idea is to streamline the entire process so travelers could get from the door to their gate in about a minute, with minimal hassle.
Why is this happening now
The potential end of the liquids rule is part of a larger effort to modernize airport security. Just last week, DHS announced the end of the shoes-off policy, which had been in place since 2001 after the failed shoe bomber attempt by Richard Reid.
Both changes are possible thanks to advances in scanning technology. TSA is reportedly working with several companies to test new machines that can better detect threats, even in larger volumes of liquids. Noem said the department is reviewing competitive bids and plans to pilot the technology at select airports before rolling it out nationwide.
She emphasized that safety remains the top priority, but acknowledged the current system could be smarter and more efficient.
“It is still a process that is protecting people who are traveling on our airlines. But it has to make sense. It has to actually do something to make you safer,” Noem said.
What you can expect
If you’re planning a trip soon, don’t throw away your quart-sized bag just yet. According to Noem, any change to the liquids policy is still in the works and not expected to be announced in the next week or two. In fact, it may take several months to pilot and evaluate before it becomes standard practice across all U.S. airports.
In the meantime, the current TSA rules still apply:
Each passenger is allowed one quart-sized, clear, resealable bag.
Liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or smaller.
Larger containers must go in checked baggage.
For now, it’s smart to keep a TSA-approved clear toiletry bag handy so you can breeze through checkpoints under the current rules, and you’ll still find it useful even when the restrictions ease.
Even though change isn’t immediate, knowing it’s on the way is welcome news for frequent travelers.
What this could mean for travel
If the liquids restriction is lifted, it could save time, reduce hassle, and eliminate one of the most frustrating parts of flying. You’d no longer need to worry about buying expensive travel-sized products or leaving behind your favorite lotion because it’s too big.
It could also mean fewer delays at security lines since travelers won’t be fumbling to separate their liquids or throwing out bottles.
If you’re excited to bring more full-size products in your carry-on when the rules change, it’s still a good idea to pack smart for your next trip so you don’t overpack or weigh yourself down unnecessarily. A streamlined security experience doesn’t mean you should overload your bag and make your flight uncomfortable.
Noem’s broader vision: getting from the entrance to the gate in one minute may still be a way off. But these incremental changes show that DHS and TSA are serious about making air travel more efficient without compromising safety.
But don’t forget: Other screening challenges remain
Even as these policies evolve, some new challenges are emerging. TSA recently reminded travelers that excessive sweat, particularly in certain areas of the body, can trigger alarms on Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners. If this happens, you may still face an additional pat-down to confirm there’s no threat.
So while the liquids and shoes rules may ease, staying patient and cooperative with TSA agents remains essential.
Tips to stay ready for changes
Until the new rules officially take effect, here are a few tips to make your airport experience as smooth as possible:
Continue to follow the 3-1-1 rule. Stick to 3.4-ounce containers and a single quart-sized bag for now.
Pack larger liquids in checked bags. If you must travel with full-sized bottles, plan to check your luggage.
Stay updated. Check TSA’s website or DHS press releases before your trip to see if any new policies have been announced.
Consider TSA PreCheck. You can already keep your shoes, belt, and light jackets on and keep electronics and liquids in your bag with TSA PreCheck.
Stay comfortable and chic during transit by choosing outfits that make security screenings and long walks through the airport easier to handle.
Use leakproof travel bottles for your liquids even now, so you avoid messes in your bag and stay within the current limits until the new policy takes effect.
The bottom line
The end of the liquids restriction could be the most significant improvement to airport security in nearly two decades. And it’s encouraging to see DHS and TSA working to balance safety with convenience.
For now, it’s business as usual at security checkpoints, but if all goes according to plan, your next vacation might be just a little less stressful, and your favorite shampoo bottle can finally come along for the ride.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to be mindful of surprising airport rules that could get you fined, which are easy to overlook but can cause major headaches. Stay informed and prepared to make your future trips as smooth and safe as possible.