The TSA just ended its nearly 19-year-old shoe removal requirement, leaving many travelers wondering: could the dreaded 3-1-1 liquid restrictions be next?

After years of dumping expensive shampoo bottles and buying overpriced water at airport gates, there's finally hope on the horizon. While the liquid policy isn't disappearing tomorrow, TSA leadership has confirmed it's actively working toward ending these restrictions.

The Current Reality: 3-1-1 Still Rules

Right now, every traveler—regardless of TSA PreCheck status—must follow the same liquid rules:

• 3.4 ounces maximum per container
• 1 quart-sized clear bag for all liquids
• 1 bag per passenger

Unlike the shoe policy that PreCheck members could already skip, liquid restrictions apply universally. This means even frequent travelers with expedited security still face the same hassles: buying travel-sized toiletries, tossing half-full water bottles, and cramming everything into tiny plastic bags.

What Officials Are Saying

TSA leadership has been surprisingly candid about ending liquid restrictions. Former TSA Administrator David Pekoske told industry publications his goal was to eliminate the policy "earlier rather than later," though he warned changes weren't "around the corner."

Current Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently confirmed this direction, stating that "every rule is being evaluated," including liquids, belts, and shoes. The key caveat? Changes can only happen "if we have adequate technology to make sure we're doing this safely."

The Technology Challenge

The biggest obstacle isn't political will—it's hardware. Ending liquid restrictions requires rolling out advanced CT scanners to airports nationwide. These machines can detect threats in liquids without requiring containers to be removed from bags.

The timeline reality: As of 2024, these CT scanners weren't scheduled for full deployment until the 2040s. That's potentially 15+ years of continued liquid restrictions unless deployment accelerates.

Some international airports are already moving faster. The UK has been working to eliminate large liquid restrictions, though they've hit implementation snags that highlight the complexity involved.

Practical Tips While We Wait

Until policy changes arrive, here's how to minimize liquid restriction headaches:

Smart Packing Strategies:

• Invest in quality travel-sized containers you can reuse
• Pack a collapsible water bottle to fill after security
• Consider solid alternatives (shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets)
• Use hotel toiletries when possible to avoid packing liquids entirely

Expedited Security Programs: While TSA PreCheck doesn't eliminate liquid restrictions, it does speed up the overall security process. For international travelers, Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus faster customs clearance.

Consider Clear+ for Additional Speed: Clear+ biometric screening can further reduce security wait times, though you'll still need to follow liquid rules once you reach the TSA checkpoint. While it doesn't eliminate liquid restrictions, Clear+ can help you skip the regular ID check lines at many major airports.

The Credit Card Connection

Many premium travel credit cards offer statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry applications, essentially making these programs free. While this doesn't solve the liquid issue, it does streamline your overall airport experience while we wait for policy changes.

Cards with these benefits typically fall into the premium travel category, so if you're already considering a travel rewards strategy, the security program credits can add meaningful value.

Bottom Line

Liquid restrictions will likely end eventually, but "eventually" could mean years or even decades. The TSA has the motivation to change—liquid restrictions are costly, inconvenient, and create operational bottlenecks—but the technology deployment timeline remains the limiting factor.

In the meantime, smart travelers should focus on what they can control: packing strategies, expedited security programs, and realistic expectations. The shoe policy took nearly two decades to end, so patience will be required for liquid restrictions too.

The good news? Airport security is evolving in the right direction. Between the recent end to shoe removal requirements and ongoing discussions about liquid restrictions, we're slowly moving toward a more streamlined travel experience. It's just going to take longer than most of us would prefer.

Stay updated on the latest travel security changes and optimization strategies by following our travel security coverage.