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TSA Set to Flush Liquid Restrictions

X-ray technology that can spot bomb materials may be ready by year's end

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 2, 2008 2:31 PM CDT

(Newser) – The oft-frustrating 3-ounces-in-a-baggie restriction on carrying liquids through airport security could be gone within a year, the Wall Street Journal reports. After testing out X-ray technology that detects bomb-making fluids, the Transportation Security Administration’s only remaining step is making sure the software works. “It’s not ready yet, but we are highly confident it will be effective,” the TSA head says.

Six hundred of the new machines will be in airports by the end of 2008, with 300 more in place by the end of the '09 fiscal year. It’s not yet clear whether travelers will still have to remove liquids from their bags for a separate screening, and smaller airports likely won’t get the machines right away.

A policeman checks passengers' boarding passes behind a sign describing restrictions on carrying liquids aerosol and gels on flights departing from Singapore's Changi Airport.
A policeman checks passengers' boarding passes behind a sign describing restrictions on carrying liquids aerosol and gels on flights departing from Singapore's Changi Airport.   (AP Photo)
Workers X-ray passengers belongings, including a pair of shoes, at Washington Dulles International Airport in this 2006 file photo.
Workers X-ray passengers belongings, including a pair of shoes, at Washington Dulles International Airport in this 2006 file photo.   (AP Photo)
The Clear Bag System toiletry case may no longer be needed if the TSA goes through with plans to relax carry-on liquid restrictions.
The Clear Bag System toiletry case may no longer be needed if the TSA goes through with plans to relax carry-on liquid restrictions.   (AP Photo)
An airline passenger repacks her liquid goods in plastic baggies.
An airline passenger repacks her liquid goods in plastic baggies.   (Getty Images)
Bomb-detection software is not ready yet, but we are highly confident it will be effective, the TSA chief says.
Bomb-detection software is "not ready yet, but we are highly confident it will be effective," the TSA chief says.   (Getty Images)
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