Among with numerous other changes to aviation that came after the attacks of September 11, the newly established Transportation Security Administration (TSA) created the three-one-one liquid rule in 2006 after a foiled plot in which terrorists tried to smuggle explosives in a water bottle.
For the following two decades, anyone boarding a flight had to make sure that any liquid they bring with them into the plane is packed into a single clear bag and does not surpass a total volume of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in the metric system.
But as screening technology advanced and different types of threats arose, multiple countries have been reevaluating whether strict limits on liquids brought onboard are still necessary.
Some airports in the United Kingdom that have been fully equipped with a new type of 3D scanner now allow travelers to bring up to two liters of liquids, while countries such as Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands have also taken steps to eliminate restrictions.
“We want to get some sort of announcement on liquids out”: TSA Deputy Acting Administrator
While the United States has lagged behind any efforts to reduce or eliminate the liquid rule, Deputy Acting Administrator Adam Stahl has confirmed that the agency is now “looking aggressively at liquids” and how what can be brought aboard should be regulated in the future.
“Every single day, the Secretary’s been adamant that we want again to get some sort of announcement on liquids out,” Stahl said in a Sept. 18 speech at the Skift Global travel forum in reference to Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (the TSA was transferred from the DoT to the DHS in 2003).
Related: TSA says this type of drink is now banned from all US planes
In July 2025, TSA ended the longstanding policy requiring travelers without certain exceptions to take off their shoes when passing through security. The rule was also put in place at airports across the U.S. in 2006 but eventually pulled amid advancement in body scanner technology.
After the sudden rollback of the policy, many speculated that the liquid rule would be the next to get the metaphorical boot.
Image source: Beck/AFP via Getty Images
What are the current exceptions to the TSA liquid rule? Medications and breast milk
“The liquids, I’m questioning,” Noem said on July 17. “So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be.”
Prior to the start of the new administration, the TSA repeatedly denied any speculation that it would be getting rid of or changing the liquid rule.
More on travel:
- United Airlines CEO gives stark warning on Olympic Games
- Another regional airline cancels all flights, no refunds
- US government issues sudden warning on Switzerland travel
- Another country just issued a new visa requirement for visitors
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, breast milk, and baby food as well as ice and gel packs needed for medical use are currently among the items that can be exempted from the three-one-one rule, as long as they are clearly labeled. In recent years, the TSA has also largely stopped enforcing the requirement that liquids be packed into a single clear bag if items that travelers bring through security do not surpass the total volume limit.
“Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid, and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, which may include AIT screening, a pat-down, and screening of your carry-on property,” TSA currently states of exempted liquids on its website.
Related: TSA gives stern warning about common beauty item many pack
