TSA considers allowing PreCheck travelers to bring water through security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is considering a new policy that would allow certain TSA PreCheck passengers to bring water bottles through airport security checkpoints. This potential change would be implemented on a staggered basis at specific airports equipped with advanced CT screening technology and automated detection capabilities.

This technology allows security systems to distinguish water from other liquids and identify potential threats. However, the TSA noted that it has not yet acquired this technology at the scale required for a nationwide rollout and currently lacks the funding for such an expansion.

The proposed exemption would be limited to water and specifically for PreCheck members. Existing restrictions on other liquids, such as the 3.4-ounce rule for gels and other fluids, are expected to remain in place. The move follows years of discussion regarding the evolution of security protocols as scanning technology improves.