The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is actively considering allowing some TSA PreCheck passengers to bring water bottles through security checkpoints. The change would be rolled out on a staggered basis to eligible airports, potentially in the coming months.
Water through Security
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, the TSA announced that it could introduce a new perk for PreCheck passengers, allowing them to take their own water through airport security checkpoints in the coming months. Initially, the change would only be rolled out to certain airports. While the announcement did not specify which ones, the agency confirmed it would be those equipped with newer CT screening technology and automated detection capabilities. This technology is able to distinguish water from other liquids, and identify potential threats.
Although the technology to scan full bottles of liquid does exist, the TSA has not yet acquired it at the scale needed for a nationwide rollout, even for PreCheck users, and has said it doesn’t currently have the funding to pursue one. Currently, the TSA does not appear to have the intention of eliminating complete restrictions on all liquids, leaving the existing rule, which says carry-on liquids generally must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, firmly in effect.
PreCheck Passenger Perks
The potential opportunity to bring water through airport security will only be available to PreCheck passengers. Travellers have the ability to bypass standard security lines and instead undergo an expedited screening process via the PreCheck program, which is run by the U.S. government. Depending on which authorized enrolment provider travellers use to sing up, the program’s membership costs up to $85 for five years, and requires travellers to undergo a security check before being approved. According to the TSA, the shorter screening process typically takes 10 minutes.
The announcement comes shortly after the agency launched its Gateside by TSA program for PreCheck travellers, a program that allows approved PreCheck members without airline tickets to pass through security and enter gate areas at 13 airports. Passenger volume and operational costs will be evaluated by the TSA before a decision will be made about the effectiveness of the program, and whether to expand it.
What do you think of the TSA PreCheck initiative? Let us know in the comments.
