TSA warns travelers about prohibited carry-on items

TSA has reminded travelers that liquid restrictions are still in place, despite some policies being lifted in recent weeks. The organization issued a warning on X alerting customers that liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3.4oz or less in carry-on bags.

This rule means that summertime travelers will not get past security if they pack an extra-large water bottle or sunscreen with them. The reminder comes after TSA ended its nearly 20-year-old 'shoes-off' policy at checkpoints earlier this month.

Travelers have been divided over the change, primarily because of their hatred for the liquid limitations after personal experiences. 'TSA steals and ruins what's left of a vacation. I had a jar of honey from France, less than 3.4 oz. You should have seen the agents eyes lite up as she stole my only jar. They laughed and took it home,' an X user claimed. 'I'd rather take my shoes off if it means I can bring the whole bottle of my specialty shampoo in my carry on without having to ration it out on a two week trip,' another person wrote.

After years of liquid limit frustration, that rule could soon go away now that the Department of Homeland Security is questioning the limit. Like the former 'shoes-off' policy, the beverage limits were enforced by TSA in 2006. It was one of several rules created in response to the September 11 attacks.

However, the liquid limit was inspired by a 2006 liquid bomb plot in the UK, which put thousands of lives at risk. The foiled plan was for terrorists to place liquid bombs disguised as soft drinks on at least seven transatlantic flights that were set to explode midflight. If the first phase of the plan was a success, they would then initiate attacks on skyscrapers in London's Canary Wharf, the Greenwich foot tunnel, nuclear power stations, oil refineries and gas terminals.

The plan was not a success and it led to the arrest of several criminals, many of which were sentenced to life in prison. But the bomb plot was enough for TSA to initiate immediate action, leading to the liquid limit for everything from food and drinks to hair products.

While some airports in Europe had scrapped the rule in recent years, they returned last year after new security scanners experienced a 'technical issue.'

The carry-on liquid limit is back in limbo in the US due to opinions over the policy from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. 'I will tell you, I mean, the liquids [rule] I am questioning,' Noem told NewsNation chief Washington Correspondent Blake Burman at the inaugural Hill Nation Summit. 'So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be. We're looking at it.'

TSA has already implemented a change for 10 US airport security experiences, which includes the addition of new expedited lanes and discounts to 'enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community.' TSA has also begun offering a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members.