TSA’s Liquid Rule: What We Know (And Don’t Know Yet) 💧✈️

The TSA Liquid Rule

What’s Happening?

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently said she’s “questioning” the long-standing TSA rule that limits carry‑on liquids to 3.4 ounces each. This came on the heels of rolling back the shoes-off policy on July 8, but as of now, no official policy change has been made public.

Why it Matters Now?

The TSA has been installing advanced CT scanners, machines that produce 3‑D images and are better at detecting threats than older X‑rays. More than 250 out of ~432 U.S. airports now have them, but the rest won’t catch up for years.

Here's What is NOT Confirmed

• There’s no official announcement lifting or expanding the 3‑1‑1 liquid rule. Any changes are only under discussion.

• No timeline was given—some experts say full CT deployment may stretch into the 2040s, meaning any rule tweak would start slowly and only at select airports.

What Travelers Should Do

Stick with the 3‑1‑1 rule (3.4 oz containers in a quart bag) until DHS or TSA issue a formal notice. Even airports with new CT lanes will still enforce it for now—exceptions only come after official policy is in place.

Major Airports with CT Scanners

Here’s a verified list of U.S. airports that already have TSA CT (computed tomography) scanners installed at security checkpoints:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) 

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)  

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) 

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)  

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

What You Should Do

1. Before you fly, check if your departure airport or specific terminal has CT scanners—airports like JFK, ATL, BOS, LAX, EWR, ORD, IND, and BDL already do.

2. In CT lanes, you’re allowed to keep electronics and liquids packed.

3. In non-CT lanes or airports without scanners, stick to the 3‑1‑1 rule until official policy updates.

TL; DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

• No rule change yet—just exploration.

• Upgraded scanners exist, but not everywhere.

• Keep packing small until TSA confirms otherwise.

• CT scanners are live in ~255 airports, especially major hubs.

• Leave liquids/laptops in-bag in CT-enabled lanes.

• Nationwide rollout continues through 2043.

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