A New Year, A New Liquid Rule (It's Not Bad)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced (via their blog) that restrictions on carry -on liquid items will be eased next year at major U.S. airports, and that they plan to lift the restrictions all together by 2010. The TSA will be introducing a new advanced technology (AT) X-ray machine that will be installed in all major airports by fall of next year. This new X-ray will allow for the removal of size restrictions on carry-on liquids. All liquids that will be carried onto plans will still have to be put into separate bins for X-raying. By 2010 air travelers will be allowed to keep their non-hazardous liquids in their carry-on bags when going through security check points.

Currently, travelers are still restricted to the 3-1-1 rule. The 3-1-1 rule states that an airline passenger can only have 3 ounces of liquid or less in 1 quart size bag per traveler. These new rules will be a big weight lifted off of the shoulders of travelers all across the globe. When this new rule is in effect, it means that we will no longer be required to throw out our water bottles before the security gates. This also means that if we were to buy an expensive wine from Italy, we will not have to check it in our bags.