Flyers got an early welcome relief in July 2025 when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that air travelers would no longer be required to remove their shoes as part of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint security screening. This nearly 20-year-old policy, imposed after the attempted 2001 “shoe bomber” attack did not succeed, was finally ended after successful pilot programs demonstrated that security does not have to be sacrificed to this inconvenience.
Compliance with that trend, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem now indicated that another significant security restriction—liquid restrictions on in-cabin bags—is likely to be relaxed or modified soon. Although no timetable or specifics have been released as of yet, this potential change would bring additional streamlined airport processes to tens of millions of passengers.
The long-standing liquid rule: Origins and current status
Since 2006, the TSA has also implemented the “3-1-1 rule” for passenger bag liquids: one resealable quart-sized plastic bag may contain only liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less; larger items will need to go in checked luggage except for medically necessary liquids such as prescription medication and baby formula.
This is a result of the 2006 liquid bomb plot to blow up transatlantic flights. Ever since, it has become the centerpiece of airport security to counter liquid-based attacks.
Kristi Noem’s vision: Re-examining TSA security protocols
At a recent The Hill conference, Noem candidly stated that she is “questioning everything TSA does” and the liquids policy is at the top of the list of things being considered. She stressed TSA’s layered screening policies enable flexibility so security can adapt without sacrificing passenger safety.
Noem said, ‘The liquids, I’m questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be,’ highlighting a likely shift in liquid carry-on regulations.
Noem sees the much-faster airport screening process: the future with passengers walking straight through security checkpoints with little hassle—coming in with a carry-on and strolling directly to their flight. But she said whatever is going to change won’t happen suddenly and reaffirmed the importance of ongoing safety.
What might change? Speculation and potential impacts
While there are no published plans or timelines, experts assume TSA could:
- Permit bigger sizes of liquids beyond the present 3.4-ounce size.
- Perhaps phase out the need to carry liquids in clear quart-sized individual bags.
- Broaden exemptions on already partially waived liquids, including prescription medicine, infant food, breast milk, and certain medical gels.
These changes would alleviate the worry and delays caused by liquids restrictions, speeding up security lines and improving comfort for passengers. Passengers would find it simpler to carry personal care items and drinks, ending the expense of purchasing expensive liquids beyond security checkpoints.
Other security improvements in progress
TSA is not giving liquid restrictions a break. New technology, such as facial recognition for contactless passenger screening, is being tested to accelerate and tighten airport security. The technology will allow passengers to walk through without speaking to TSA agents, making the process even simpler.
These kinds of innovations combined with loosening carry-on restrictions is a major overhaul of airport screening, finding a balance between passenger ease of use and stringent security measures.
What travelers should know now
Until official notice and changes are made, existing liquid limitations hold as follows:
- Liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers not exceeding 3.4 ounces.
- They should all fit into one quart-sized, resealable clear plastic bag.
- Medically required and infant-related liquids remain exempted.
- Dispose of liquids and put them in bins unless you’re a member of TSA PreCheck, which allows you to leave them packed.
Passengers must remain vigilant to TSA and DHS alerts and prepare by transporting in accordance with current guidelines.
Read more: What is affected by the $9 billion spending cuts demanded by Trump and approved by the Senate
