U.S. Looking at Revising Limit on Carry-On Liquids

Citing more advanced screening, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has suggested that the country might soon revise the limit on carry-on liquids for air travellers, a rule implemented in 2006 to prevent liquid explosives from being brought on planes.

“The liquids I’m questioning, so that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,” Noem said at an event in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. 

Noem’s comments came shortly after DHS rolled back a rule in place for nearly two decades requiring travellers to remove their shoes at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. 

Canada followed the U.S. announcement by saying it would align with U.S. regulations for those flying to the U.S. through the immigration pre-clearance sections of Canadian airports.

The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule — which requires that liquids in carry-on luggage be limited to 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less and stored in a single, one-litre, resealable plastic bag — was introduced in September 2006. The rule was established shortly after a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights was foiled by British police.

The U.S. Travel Association’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel has proposed a number of changes, including carrying larger quantities of liquids.

 “These are exactly the kinds of changes that signal real progress toward a smarter, more traveller-friendly screening experience that doesn’t compromise security,” the association said in a statement.

In her speech, Noem spoke about creating an improved 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,” Noem said. “It takes you one minute.”

She said the Department of Homeland Security is talking with various companies about technology that could help achieve that goal, adding that travellers will see pilot programs at a few airports before such measures would be implemented widely.