A few weeks ago, travelers in the United States were informed that they no longer had to remove their shoes at airport security. Airports are gradually implementing new technology to streamline flight procedures. Now, plans are underway to soon change the rules regarding the amount of liquids passengers can carry. The Transportation Security Administration could eliminate this restriction, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Noem: “The next big announcement could be related to the size of liquids allowed”
Travelers are already more than accustomed to following a series of steps when getting ready to board a plane. Carry a carry-on bag that meets the airline’s recommended sizes, pack no more than the baggage they can carry on the plane, and, probably most importantly, don’t carry any liquids like bottles of water, juice, shampoo, etc. And any type of personal hygiene product must be perfectly sealed and cannot exceed 100ml per bottle. Now, that rule may change, as we announced earlier.
The goal of these types of changes is related to flight agility. To make processes simpler and thus avoid delays as much as possible, among other things. “The next big announcement could be related to the size of liquids allowed,” Noem said Wednesday during a press conference at Nashville International Airport, according to the Associated Press.
Previously, only those enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program were exempt
This wouldn’t be the first radical change seen at airports. As we mentioned before, just a few weeks ago, the elimination of shoe removal was launched at U.S. airports. Previously, only those enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program were exempt from removing their shoes. Now, the policy is extended to all passengers, as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) new dynamic security approach.
About the ‘Ending the shoes-off’, Noam said: “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.”
This liquid restriction dates back to 2006
Until now, permitted liquids, in addition to those mentioned above, were limited to prescription medications, breast milk and infant formula, general liquid baby food, and, in general, other liquids that were strictly necessary for medical reasons.
This liquid restriction dates back to 2006. After the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, security measures at airports were drastically increased. But it wasn’t until 2006 that restrictions on liquids were implemented. The motive was an attempted bombing by individuals who used liquids to carry out the crime. A target that was thwarted in time.
We’ll have to wait and see what this proposal will bring, whether it’s ultimately implemented, and what other countries’ opinions are. If it works and doesn’t compromise passenger safety, other airports may consider implementing it.
