Outgoing TSA Director Wants to See Liquid Restrictions Relaxed for PreCheck Passengers
Mary Minor Davis November 17, 2014
Outgoing TSA Administrator John Pistole wants to loosen restrictions on liquids and gels for passengers enrolled in the PreCheck program.
Reaffirming his support of the TSA’s mission to protect the traveling public, outgoing Administrator John Pistole says he’d like to see some restrictions relaxed for flyers enrolled in the agency’s PreCheck program.
Pistole, speaking to USA Today’s editorial board, said he believes PreCheck passengers should be allowed to carry liquids through the security checkpoints. He added he’d like to see a loosening of restrictions for liquids and gels in carry-on luggage for these passengers, but admitted that he does not anticipate these changes happening before he departs on December 31.
Pistole said he plans to encourage the next administrator to look at making the change. The administrator has the authority to change policy, but must work with the Department of Homeland Security to implement the change.
According to a report from The Los Angeles Times, Pistole said the TSA screens about 640 million passengers, as well as around 2 billion checked and carry-on bags annually. Around 45 percent of travelers in the U.S., including flight crews, currently receive expedited screening.
At an industry conference on November 4, Pistole touted the success of the PreCheck program, saying it allows the TSA to focus on “greater threats” and direct resources appropriately. Pistole also credited the program with allowing the agency to reduce security officers by 7 percent and reduce the budget by $500 million a year.
[Photo: iStock]
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Which does you no good at all, because if you are "randomly" denied Pre-Check as commonly happens, you are stuck with liquids you can't take through the check point now (or if the check point is closed, or ... etc)