The Thrifty Traveler Podcast · Thursday, September 17, 2026
The TSA is reportedly considering a new policy that would permit TSA PreCheck members to bring full-sized water bottles through security checkpoints. This potential change, which would initially be rolled out at select airports, is a response to advancements in screening technology. Travelers like Kyle Potter express hope that this is a step towards a broader relaxation of liquid restrictions.
“It'll only be at a few airports to start, but the TSA says that its technology can actually make this happen going forward.”
“I will not miss that. Uh, I will, however, miss the times, the increasing number of times, I will say, over the last few years where I've gotten all the way through security, opened up my backpack and been like, oh, there's a half a bottle of water in here. I guess they just didn't care this time.”
“I think that's the most frustrating part about all of this is it's just totally up to the discretion of TSA officers and what day they choose to care about these things.”
“This will be good. I think it better be a step towards lifting the 3.4 ounce liquid limit altogether or at least changing that and making it a little bit more generous.”