New TSA 3D Scanners Put Carry-on Luggage on Notice
- 1 day ago
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New TSA 3D Scanners Put Carry-on Luggage on Notice
A.J. Pike
USVI - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has instituted a major change that will affect how you pack for the airport. Many airports now have the new TSA 3D Scanners that feature smaller entry tunnels, requiring carry-on bags to measure no larger than 22” x 14” x 9”. These measurements include the handles and wheels. Furthermore, strict gate enforcement means protruding wheels, handles, and bulging pockets are included in these limits. Frequent travelers and aviation experts are noticing the impact of strict sizing and scanning checks at security checkpoints and boarding gates around the U.S.
Additionally, if you’re carrying unprocessed film, these machines can damage it, so you’ll need more time at the airport to have the film screened separately.
Unlike the old X-ray scanners that everyone has come to know and work around, the new CT scanners provide a 3D image of everything inside your bag. These images can be moved around to give agents a better idea of the contents. It’s one reason some airports don’t make you remove your laptop, or bag of approved liquids, gels, and aerosols anymore.
In 2022, the TSA was given $781 million to acquire new scanners which are now being instituted at airports across the U.S. The new technology isn’t happening all at once, although it is in over 250 airports so far, but it could take years to hit all domestic airports.
Even though the new scanners may mean faster check-in lines, it’s best to be prepared for the new guidelines to avoid hassles in the TSA lines. If your bag does not fit through the openings, it would disqualify your bag from being a carry-on and, at the last minute, send it back to the checked luggage category, which winds up costing you money.