What happened
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is considering allowing full water bottles through security checkpoints at some airports, thanks to advanced CT scanners that can detect liquids and other items.
The TSA is testing a new policy that would permit members of its PreCheck program to bring full water bottles through security, even if they exceed the current 100ml limit. This change is made possible by new CT scanners that can create 3D images of carry-on bags and detect liquids and other items.
The current 3-1-1 rule, which prohibits liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, may be relaxed for PreCheck members at certain airports. However, the change is not expected to take effect before the end of the year, and it will only apply to PreCheck members at participating airports.
The TSA has already installed 1,162 CT scanners at 296 airports across the US, but the technology has not been widely adopted due to budget constraints. The new policy is still in the testing phase, and it is unclear which airports will participate or when the change will take effect.
The 3-1-1 rule was introduced in 2006 after a foiled terrorist plot to blow up planes using liquid explosives. The rule has been in place for over 15 years, and it has become a standard practice at airports worldwide.
