US Travel to See Shifts as TSA Reviews Liquid Rule for the Future, All You need to Know

Published on September 19, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reviewing its long-standing 3-1-1 liquid rule and US travel is poised to experience significant shifts as a result. Introduced in 2006, the liquid restrictions have been a fixture at airport security, limiting liquids to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in a single clear bag. However, advancements in screening technology and changes in security needs are prompting the TSA to reassess these rules. As international airports begin to relax liquid restrictions with the use of new technologies like 3D scanners, the US is now considering similar steps. This move could streamline security processes and improve the overall travel experience for passengers. In this article, we explore how the TSA’s review of the liquid rule could shape the future of US travel and the potential impact on passengers.

TSA’s Aggressive Review of the Liquid Rule

In a recent speech at the Skift Global Travel Forum, TSA Deputy Acting Administrator Adam Stahl confirmed that the agency is “looking aggressively at liquids” and how they will be regulated in the future. Stahl explained that TSA officials are keen to make an announcement regarding the liquid policy, as part of the agency’s broader efforts to adapt security procedures to evolving threats and advancements in screening technology. The announcement is expected to provide clarity on how liquids will be handled at security checkpoints in the future.

The 3-1-1 rule was first introduced after a foiled terrorist plot in 2006, where attackers tried to smuggle explosives in liquid form through airport security. In the wake of that plot, the TSA implemented stringent rules to limit the amount of liquids passengers could carry, which has since become a standard security measure at airports across the US. However, with improvements in security technologies, many countries have begun to relax these restrictions and the US is now catching up.

Global Trends in Liquid Restrictions

Countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, have already taken steps to loosen their liquid restrictions. In particular, airports in the UK have implemented new 3D scanners, which allow passengers to carry liquids up to two liters. This shift is possible because the advanced scanning technology is capable of providing a more thorough and precise analysis of liquids, thus mitigating the risks that the 3-1-1 rule was designed to prevent.

The US, however, has not yet adopted these technologies on a large scale. Despite this, there is growing momentum for change. TSA’s ongoing review of the liquid rule comes as part of an effort to align the US with international trends in air travel security. Given the technological advancements, many aviation experts have speculated that the TSA will soon move towards relaxing its liquid restrictions, similar to how the agency ended the shoe removal policy in July 2025.

TSA’s Recent Policy Changes

The recent relaxation of the shoe removal policy at TSA checkpoints in the US serves as a sign of the agency’s willingness to evolve in response to technological progress. The policy, which required passengers to remove their shoes during security checks, was also introduced in 2006 as a response to security threats. However, advancements in body scanner technology have made the practice largely unnecessary. This shift came after extensive testing and evaluation of new scanning capabilities, which prompted the TSA to reconsider and ultimately roll back the requirement.

This move has led to speculation that the TSA may be preparing for similar changes to the liquid rule. As more advanced screening systems become more widely available, it’s increasingly likely that the need for stringent liquid restrictions will decrease. Many believe that the end of the 3-1-1 rule could be on the horizon, with TSA exploring alternatives that still ensure passenger safety without the need for such strict limitations.

Exceptions to the TSA Liquid Rule

Despite the limitations of the 3-1-1 rule, the TSA has allowed certain exemptions for liquids over the years. Prescription medications, breast milk, baby food and medical items such as ice and gel packs are all allowed through security without adhering to the 3.4-ounce restriction, provided they are clearly labeled. In recent years, TSA has also become more lenient in enforcing the requirement for liquids to be packed into a single clear bag, especially for items that do not exceed the total volume limit. However, travelers with exempted liquids must undergo additional screening procedures, which may include body scanner screenings, pat-downs, or further inspection of their carry-on items.

Impact on US Travel

The potential shift in TSA’s liquid rule will have a far-reaching impact on US travel, particularly for international flights where the 3-1-1 rule can be a hassle for passengers. If the TSA decides to relax or eliminate the liquid rule altogether, it could result in faster and more efficient security screening processes, which would benefit travelers by reducing wait times at checkpoints.

Moreover, this shift could align the US with global standards for aviation security, potentially making air travel more streamlined for international travelers. The new changes would not only benefit travelers heading to the US but also those flying from the US to destinations that have already relaxed liquid restrictions. As airports around the world adopt advanced screening technologies, it’s expected that the US will follow suit, resulting in smoother travel experiences for passengers.

Conclusion

As the TSA continues to evaluate the 3-1-1 liquid rule, US travel is poised for potential shifts that could significantly enhance the passenger experience. By embracing advancements in screening technology and aligning with international trends, the TSA is actively working to modernize security procedures, which will likely result in more efficient and less restrictive air travel. While the exact details of the changes remain unclear, it’s evident that US travel could soon experience a much-needed update to an outdated rule that has long been a source of frustration for passengers. With TSA’s focus on innovation and security, the future of travel in the US looks promising and the 3-1-1 rule could soon be a thing of the past.