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TSA weighs permitting water bottles for PreCheck passengers, officials report

The TSA is considering allowing PreCheck travelers to carry full water bottles at select airports, CBS News reports.

The short version

  • Federal officials are actively considering permitting TSA PreCheck fliers to carry full water bottles through security at a limited number of airports in the coming months.[CBS News]
  • The policy change would rely on newer CT screening machines equipped with automated detection to differentiate water from hazardous liquids.[CBS News]
  • The standard 3-1-1 liquid rule restricting carry-on liquids to 3.4 ounces remains in place for travelers.[CBS News]
  • A nationwide rollout is currently stalled because the agency lacks the funding to acquire the advanced scanners at full scale.[CBS News]

Key facts

  • The TSA is considering allowing TSA PreCheck passengers to take full water bottles through security checkpoints at select airports in the coming months.[CBS News]
  • The potential change depends on airports utilizing newer CT screening equipment capable of automated liquid threat detection.[CBS News]
  • The agency lacks the funding to purchase the advanced scanning systems at the scale needed for a nationwide rollout.[CBS News]
  • The standard 3-1-1 rule limiting liquids to 3.4-ounce containers remains active.[CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • Officials have not identified which specific airports will be chosen for the initial rollout.[CBS News]
  • It remains uncertain when or if the program will secure funding to expand beyond select initial locations.[CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.