TSA Just Changed the Rules on Carry-On Liquids—Here’s How Much It’ll Cost You at the Airport Now
Starting today, the TSA is rolling out a major shift in airport security that could hit your wallet. New high-tech scanners are being tested at over a dozen major U.S. airports, and if you’re not prepared, you might be paying $10 or more for emergency-sized toiletries after security. The catch? The change means you can finally keep larger liquids in your bag—up to 12 ounces—but only if you pass through one of these new machines. And with a travel season that’s already seeing fare hikes and parking fees, that extra gate-side lip gloss or sunscreen could add up fast. Consumer watchdogs warn: double-check if your airport is on the list before you toss that full-size shampoo in your carry-on, or you’ll be funneled into a secondary screening line that could cost you a half-hour of vacation time. Plus, if you’re one of the millions who bought reusable 3.4-ounce bottles, that investment just became obsolete at these terminals. The takeaway: pack light, pack cheap, or prepare to shell out at the newsstand—because the TSA’s latest experiment is about to turn your travel budget upside down.