TSA liquids rule: Is it next to go after the shoes policy ended?
Imagine walking through airport security with a full water or shampoo bottle you brought from home without getting stopped.
After the Transportation Security Administration ended its unpopular and long-standing shoe-removal policy last week, travelers have rightly wondered: Could an end to the TSA's limits on liquids be next?
I’ve taken that question to higher-ups at the TSA many times over the years, including to its top leader last fall.
Yes ... the long-term plan is to end "3-1-1." But when that might happen is another story.
Read more: 'Game-changer' alternative to Global Entry now available at 8 US airports this summer
Shoe-removal is history — what about 3-1-1?
The TSA announced the end to the nearly 19-year-old shoes-off policy for passengers passing through its checkpoints, and leaders at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security cited improved technology since the agency first enacted the rule in August 2006 as a reason for the change.
But the TSA made no changes to its crackdown on liquids, which started that same summer, in the wake of a second thwarted terror attempt on a separate flight.
Read more: 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
Today, “3-1-1” remains the TSA’s policy: For carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols, you’re limited to no more than 3.4 ounces per container, which must fit in one clear, resealable bag.
Just how often do passengers forget?
Look no further than the massive bins full of discarded toiletries and water bottles found at nearly every major airport security checkpoint.
While safety considerations are the obvious priority, the policy has its inconveniences and costs — from buying pricey bottles of water on the airport concourse to purchasing travel-size toiletries ahead of time.
However, the policy may not be around forever.
Read more: What to pack in a carry-on bag every time you travel
TSA is open to ending its liquids ban … eventually
In an exclusive interview last year with TPG, then-TSA administrator David Pekoske told me his goal was to end the liquids policy “earlier rather than later.” However, he warned that change was “not around the corner."
A big part of ending "3-1-1" would require rolling out the big, blue CT scanners to more airports across the country. As of last year, these weren’t slated to be fully deployed until the 2040s.
“I'm hoping we can get to a point where we make some partial changes along the way,” Pekoske told me last September, citing other countries that are already moving toward ending similar restrictions. The most notable country doing this is the U.K., though it has hit a few snags in its plans to end its large-liquids ban.
Related: Global Entry gets a high-tech, 'on-the-move' upgrade at 7 US airports
Trump administration ‘evaluating’ all TSA rules
Pekoske is no longer the TSA's top leader, though, having left his post in January when the Trump administration took office.
However, speaking to reporters last week, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signaled a continued openness to relaxing the TSA’s liquids rules in the future.
“I would say every rule is being evaluated,” Noem said, speaking at a news conference July 8.
“With removing your technology, the liquids, your belts, your shoes, all of them are being evaluated and looked at,” she continued. “But it can only be accomplished if we have the adequate technology to make sure we’re doing this safely and still keeping our systems hardened.”
Bottom line
Relaxing the TSA liquid policy would arguably be a more significant change for more travelers than the shoe policy. Passengers with TSA PreCheck were already allowed to keep their footwear on at checkpoints, which means millions were already exempt from the rule that ended this month.
Yet, every passenger — regardless of TSA PreCheck access — must still comply with the agency’s ban on larger liquids, gels and aerosols.
Many millennial and Gen Z travelers, despite being adults, may hardly remember a time when they could bring a full bottle of sunscreen in a carry-on bag, as this mid-30s traveler can attest.
Then again, every passenger can now keep their shoes on at airports — so, it’s a start.
Related reading:
- TPG’s 2025 travel trends report
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
- The best travel credit cards
- Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.