Liquids TSA Kristi Noem Homeland Security shoes.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at the Nashville International Airport, Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

After years of tough rules on liquids and footwear, US air travel may be on the cusp of a new era

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has hinted at possible changes to TSA’s liquid restrictions. That could mean parting from the current 3-1-1 rule, which has limited liquids in carry-on bags — but details haven’t been confirmed yet. Still, her comments signal that potentially larger shift in airport security measures, which were adopted after Sept. 11, is on the way — and follow the TSA’s recent change to let travelers keep their shoes on at checkpoints. Relaxing liquid limits could simplify the process, but questions remain about what happens next. Experts say that newer scanners are better at detecting explosive liquids.

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives for a news conference where she announced that most airline passengers will no longer have to remove their shoes at security checkpoints on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Reagan National Airport in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

First the shoes went back on. Now, at US airport security, more liquid in carry-ons may be at hand

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggests changes to the amount of liquids travelers can carry on planes may be coming. She’s speaking of possible changes to the current 3.4-ounce liquid limit for carry-ons. This follows her recent announcement allowing travelers to keep their shoes on during airport screenings, ending a policy in place since 2006. The liquid limits were introduced after a 2006 plot involving liquid explosives was foiled. Noem envisions a streamlined airport experience where passengers quickly pass through security with minimal hassle. She says a multilayered screening process is enabling changes in screening and security that still maintain safety standards.

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