Technological developments may help ease the liquid restriction for travelers who hate giving up their drinks before boarding a plane.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration is aware of passenger frustrations regarding the 3.4 ounce limit, as they continually look to new technologies in efforts to alter the current restrictions.
“The security of the traveling public is TSA’s top priority,” said Michael S. McCarthy, TSA’s spokesman from the office of strategic communications and public affairs.
“As such, TSA is constantly evaluating and testing new technologies that could improve security procedures,” McCarty said, “deploying effective technology is a key component of TSA’s intelligence driven, risk-based approach to enhancing security.
“While we continue to aggressively work to find a way to relax the 3-1-1 requirements, we know liquid explosives still pose a threat to aviation security.”
Currently, under TSA’s restrictions for carry-ons, air travelers must restrict all liquids, gels and aerosols to be 3.4 ounces or smaller.
In order for passengers to carry these items on board and pass through security checkpoints, liquids have to be placed in a quart-sized zip-top plastic bag – one bag per traveler.
There are few exceptions to the rule. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are allowed on board if they exceed the liquid limit. Also, parents to small children are able to carry baby formula and breast milk which exceed the 3.4 ounce rule on a plane.
According to TechNewsDaily.com, technological developments could lead the way in creating a new bomb–detecting ink which could put an end to the liquid restriction in the near future. The ink, mixed with tiny metal-oxide particles, would change from blue to yellow when contacted with peroxide-based explosives. This development could uncover explosives commonly used by terrorists, such as the 2005 London bombing attacks and the shoe bomber incident.
Even snow globes are under suspicion as they usually exceed the liquid restriction. Last October, a snow globe set off an evacuation during a screening process at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut as it raised suspicion during a bag screening.
Despite this incident, McCarthy said liquid restrictions remain a top priority.
“We will continue to work closely with our stakeholder and international partners to find a solution that effectively screens liquids and keeps the traveling public safe.”
