TSA PreCheck travellers may soon be allowed to take full water bottles through security at a limited number of US airports, under a plan being considered by the Transportation Security Administration.
The trial would initially be restricted to airports fitted with newer CT scanning systems and automated detection technology capable of distinguishing water from other liquids and identifying possible threats, senior administration officials said.
The TSA has not yet disclosed which airports would take part. Officials said the technology is not currently available at enough checkpoints to support a nationwide rollout, including for PreCheck passengers, and that the agency does not have the funding required to install it across the country.
For now, the existing 3-1-1 liquids rule remains in force. Carry-on liquids must generally be in containers holding no more than 3.4 US fluid ounces, or 100ml, and passengers can still take an empty water bottle through security to fill afterwards.
The possible change comes as the TSA introduces other measures aimed at expanding the benefits of its expedited screening programme. Its new Gateside by TSA PreCheck scheme allows approved PreCheck members without a plane ticket to pass through security and enter the secure areas of 13 participating airports.
The programme is intended to allow visitors to meet or see off relatives at the gate, meet people during a layover or use shops and restaurants beyond the checkpoint. The TSA says it will assess passenger numbers and the operational impact before deciding whether to extend the scheme to more airports.
TSA PreCheck members undergo background checks before joining and use dedicated screening lanes at participating airports. Membership lasts for five years, with the cost depending on the authorised provider used for enrolment.
