Homeland Security Secretary Just Hinted at a Big Change in Airline Carry-on Screening

This does not sound good.

During a talk show this past Sunday, Homeland Security chief John Kelly mentioned in passing how the TSA–which falls under his dictum–might institute a new screening policy.

In case you have not traveled in a few decades, the current policy is to put your liquids into a separate clear plastic baggie. Here is the exact wording: “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item.” I’ve developed a workaround to save time, and I just buy travel sizes when I arrive at my destination. Sadly, things are about to get a lot more interesting.

In the chat, the interviewer mentioned a rumor about putting food, electronics, and paper all in separate containers, removing them from your carry-on. Secretary Kelly confirmed that this is in the works and even in limited tests. He explained that the reason is because of baggage fees. People stuff all manner of food stuffs, gadgets, and documents into carry-on bags. They are not just bringing essentials like a laptop or a change of clothes into the cabin.

“What we’re doing now is working out the tactics, techniques and procedures…in a few airports to find out exactly how to do that with the least amount of inconvenience to the traveler,” said Kelly in the interview.

I’ve been on many flights where someone was obviously traveling with only a carry-on, avoiding fees that can run upwards of $50 to check your luggage. (Don’t even get me started on Spirit Airlines, which tends to have fees for everything under the sun.)

How will this impact travel?

Here’s the bad news.

This is going to take forever.

Imagine waiting for Big Bob Anderson to remove all of his documentation for a coin-trading business on his way to Texas, Aunt Judy placing her casseroles for the family reunion into a bin before she flies to St. Paul, and the uber-techie heading to San Francisco to remove every tiny tracking device, phone, tablet, and e-reader known to man. If you think it was frustrating before, wait until this new rule goes into effect.

Here’s my prediction.

While I’m obviously all for the security protocols necessary to keep us safe and secure, it can become a three-ring circus. The TSA might try to force every person in line to place all of their belongings into bins for everyone to see, but that will prompt an ingenious startup to create a way to smooth over the process. Maybe it’s a bag that splits into sections, maybe it’s multiple bags inside the main bag. Or, travelers will simply balk at the idea and choose to send their stuff using a service that will ship everything for you to the hotel.

Another possibility: Someone at the TSA will realize there is a better technological approach to solve the problems of people packing a myriad of gadgets and food in their carry-on. Whatever limited testing they’re already doing, I’m sure it is already an epic failure. We can only hope this is not rolled out to every airport.