The United States stands on the cusp of historic changes to national air travel regulations. After decades of draconian regulations against liquids and shoes, change might be finally coming. The “3-1-1” rule prevents travelers from bringing large amounts of liquids on board flights. This formula has been the bedrock, ever since this provision went into effect in 2006. Industry experts are finally asking the hard questions. They’re asking if new technological innovations and the development of new security technologies might lead TSA to take a more relaxed approach to carry-on liquids.
Under the 3-1-1 rule, travelers may bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. You need to fit all of it into one quart-sized bag. Late last year, authorities halted a plan to smuggle liquid explosives through airport security in carry-on bags. Consequently, the U.S. adopted this regulation. The FBI and other laboratories found that even trace amounts of lethal chemicals could be a lethal potential threat to airliners.
Internationally, the 3-1-1 rule became popular around the world in 2006 when countries started scrambling to improve the security of air travel. Before its implementation, a pre-adoption interim liquid ban only lasted about six weeks but severely overwhelmed carriers’ baggage systems. As travelers turned to checked luggage for packing toiletries, the eventual lifting of the ban necessitated an adjustment to a new norm: the 3-1-1 rule. This resulted in a new demand for smaller travel-size containers and specialized “TSA approved” bags made for easier screening.
As technology has evolved, so too have the X-ray machines that are used at airports. They have notable trouble distinguishing between different kinds of liquids. Aviation security experts have long claimed that most U.S. airports do not have the security technology to raise the current liquid limit. Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst, said that an easier process would help reduce the anxiety of travelers. He warned that any sweeping liquid regulatory changes need to be done carefully.
“It was much more casual. And clearly it was ineffective, because 9/11 occurred.” – Henry Harteveldt
Harteveldt acknowledged the prevailing confusion over any future liquid regulations announcements. “What we don’t know is what the secretary is going to announce about liquids,” he stated, underscoring the need for clear guidelines as changes may impact how passengers prepare for flights.
Keith Jeffries, a long time Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employee in Albuquerque, assisted in developing the original liquids rules. He cautioned that inconsistent rules between airports would create confusion for travelers. He remarked on the importance of consistency: “Whatever comes next needs to be clear for passengers.”
As talks of rolling out new policy go on behind closed doors, those working in the industry maintain that transparency needs to be key. As always, the devil is going to be in the details, Harteveldt warned when it comes to any changed policies on liquids.
Earlier this month, a rumor about potential changes to liquid regulations went like wildfire through the community. Now, how do these changes impact TSA PreCheck enrollment and the passenger experience overall? As Jeffries noted, that’s the key question. What effect will the removal of shoes and liquids have on TSA PreCheck enrollment? That’s the million-dollar question.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has a better take. She recommends that upcoming final rulings specify new sizes for permissible liquids that would better suit traveler needs. The liquids, that’s what I’m skeptical about. So that might be the next big thing,” she said.
Jeffrey Price, a TSA aviation security advisory, stressed that any suggested policy changes related to liquids be given full scrutiny. He unequivocally stated that this is an area that needs a lot more focused research. That’s far more important than the policy of eliminating shoe removal.
