TSA may soon allow full water bottles on planes — but there’s a costly catch

Frantically dumping out your forgotten water bottle at airport security may soon be a thing of the past. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) might be axing the rule for certain travelers as airport technology continues to update. According to ABC and CBS, some travelers will see new 3-D CT scanners — which may be able to detect liquid contents.

While the move has yet to be confirmed, reports by ABC, citing the TSA administrator, and CBS crediting senior administration officials, reveal the tech may be coming.

But there’s a catch — not every passenger would be able to keep their water bottles full. The switch would likely benefit PreCheck travelers only, after the agency rolled out its new Gateside by TSA program at 13 airports.

The program offers approved PreCheck members — which costs up to $85 for a 5-year membership — with no airline tickets to enter security and other gate areas at the approved airports. The program is expected to expand once the TSA evaluates operations after the initial rollout is complete.

As of today, airport goers must follow the standard 3-1-1 liquids rule — where carry-on liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. The policy has been in effect since 2006.

The Post reached out to the TSA but has not heard back. While the agency did not confirm the reported rule, it did tell USA TODAY it is always improving the traveling experience for folks.  

“TSA will continue to explore opportunities to enhance security and improve the traveling experience for the public. As technology evolves, TSA’s multi-layered security protocols will evolve, including benefits for our most trusted travelers,” the agency said. 

“Any changes to screening policies will be announced through our official channels. As always, we encourage travelers to follow our social media accounts, send questions to AskTSA, and visit TSA.gov for more information about our policies,” it added. 

TSA PreCheck is a program run by the US government at roughly 200 airports across the country. Millions of passengers are able to bypass long security lines with an expedited screening process where travelers don’t need to remove shoes, belts or laptops from bags.

Members pay $85 or less for five years of the service, depending on which provider travelers use. Folks must undergo security checks and other risk assessments before being approved.

The screening process is much shorter and typically takes 10 minutes, according to the TSA.

Just last month, the TSA launched an even quicker gate check process. Travelers with TSA PreCheck used to be forced to show a boarding pass or ID with the PreCheck indicator before heading to security.

However, the newer version allows eligible airport goers to only show their face, as the Touchless ID will use enhanced facial comparison technology called Traveler Verification Service.

The new tech is set to capture a live facial image at baggage drop or boarding locations, where it then compares it to a passenger’s previously provided photo to the federal government — like a passport photo, according to TSA’s website.