TSA's Annoying Water Bottle Policy Might Finally Come To An End For Some Travelers

There's talk about doing away with the rule about bringing filled water bottles through security. CBS News and other outlets report that TSA PreCheck fliers may soon be able to bring full water bottles with them through security without penalty. It's not that the TSA is letting its guard down when it comes to liquids. Instead, 3D scanners at airports can now tell if a liquid is water, according to ABC News. However, filled water bottles would only be allowed at airports with the latest technology, and it's not clear yet which travel hubs would have this perk. 

One big caveat about the proposed change is that it would only be applicable for TSA PreCheck passengers, at least at first. If the policy is updated, it also sounds like the bottle would have to be filled with water, not anything else. The 3-1-1 rule, which limits liquids and gels to 3.4 ounces or less that can all fit in one quart-sized bag, was implemented in September 2006 after a terrorist plot using liquid explosives to bring down an aircraft was discovered. At this time, other liquids would still need to be in smaller containers — so no full-size shampoo or soda going through TSA security anytime soon. If or when this change goes forward, it could be something to consider when weighing whether TSA PreCheck is worth it for you.

Granted, TSA has teased about ditching its 3-1-1 rule before, so we'll believe it when we see it. But there is proof that it works. At London's Heathrow Airport, travelers can now bring liquids onboard in containers up to 2 liters, as new scanners are able to create a 3D image of your bag. The same policy is at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, though not on flights to the U.S. at this time. Plenty of people (myself included) are excited about the potential change. One person on X says, "Finally, a TSA change that could make airport security a little less annoying. If the new scanners can reliably tell water from other liquids, letting passengers bring their own water bottles through would be a huge win." 

This change in policy would be a game-changer for airport hydration. While bottle-filling stations are typically found past security, travelers sometimes forget to bring an empty container, while others have a preference for a specific type of water. From personal experience, I even had to turn back at security and dump out the few ounces left in my bottle before being allowed through the scanners. Whatever the reason, having to buy a bottle of water at an airport can be expensive, and there are currently only two airports in the U.S. that prevent vendors from price gouging.