TSA Is Finally Cracking Down on Oversized Carry-Ons. Good.

If you’ve flown recently, you’ve probably seen it.

Someone shows up at the TSA checkpoint with a carry-on that’s bulging at the seams, barely zips shut, and somehow is expected to fit through security, into the overhead bin, and not delay everyone else.

That may be coming to an end.

The TSA is rolling out advanced 3D CT scanners at airports across the country. Besides providing much better security screening, these machines have a smaller opening than many of the older X-ray scanners. If your carry-on won’t physically fit through the scanner, you may be sent back to the airline counter to check it before you can continue through security. In many cases, that means leaving the security line, checking the bag, and starting the process all over again. (New Jersey 101.5)

The Rules Aren’t New

This is an important distinction.

The TSA isn’t changing carry-on size limits.

The airlines already have those rules. For most major U.S. carriers, the standard maximum carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, although every airline publishes its own baggage policy. (Yahoo Travel)

What’s changing is enforcement.

For years, many travelers pushed the limits. Overstuffed bags, oversized rollers, duffel bags that somehow became twice their normal size. Sometimes they made it through security only to be gate checked later. Sometimes they somehow squeezed into an overhead bin after holding up the boarding process.

The new scanners don’t care how persuasive you are.

If the bag doesn’t fit, it doesn’t fit.

This Is One TSA Change I Completely Support

I know this probably won’t be a popular opinion with everyone, but I’m all for it.

If you’ve followed Pags on the Go, you know I’m constantly looking for ways to make air travel smoother.

The biggest slowdowns at an airport usually happen when something falls outside the normal process.

That could be:

• An oversized carry-on
• A bag stuffed beyond its intended size
• Someone trying to bring unusual items through security
• Travelers who aren’t prepared when they reach the checkpoint
• People reorganizing their luggage in the middle of the line

Every exception creates friction.

One person takes an extra minute, then the next person waits, then the next, and before long the entire checkpoint slows to a crawl.

Multiply that by hundreds of travelers every day, and the delays become significant.

Frequent Travelers Already Understand This

There are different types of travelers.

Some people fly once or twice a year for vacation.

Others live in airports.

Business travelers and frequent flyers aren’t trying to rush because they’re impatient. They’re trying to eliminate unnecessary delays.

That’s why they enroll in TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Digital ID.

That’s why they board efficiently.

That’s why they pack consistently.

And that’s why they appreciate anything that keeps the line moving.

When everyone follows the same process, the entire airport works better.

Better Technology, Better Security

The new CT scanners aren’t just about baggage size.

They produce a three-dimensional image of your carry-on that allows TSA officers to rotate, zoom, and inspect its contents far more effectively than older X-ray systems. At many checkpoints, they also allow travelers to leave laptops and other electronics inside their bags, reducing the amount of unpacking at security. More than 250 U.S. airport checkpoints have already received these scanners, with additional installations planned. (New Jersey 101.5)

So while stricter carry-on enforcement is getting the headlines, the real story is that airport security is becoming both smarter and, in many cases, faster.

My Advice

Before your next trip:

• Measure your carry-on instead of guessing.
• Don’t overstuff expandable luggage.
• Check your airline’s published carry-on dimensions before you leave home.
• If your bag is questionable, check it before getting in the TSA line.

A few extra minutes at home can save you from being sent back to the ticket counter after you’ve already waited in security.

For once, I think this is a change that benefits everyone.

Less arguing.

Less congestion.

Fewer oversized bags competing for overhead space.

And hopefully, a faster trip through the airport.

That’s something I can get behind.

Travel smart,
Tommy Pags