The new TSA security scanners are getting smaller. Your carry-on bags will be fine.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been rolling out advanced 3D X-ray scanners over the past ten years. These new scanners, introduced in earnest in 2022, promise to streamline security procedures by allowing passengers to keep belongings like laptops and toiletries in their bags. However, a potential downside is that these scanners feature a smaller opening, measuring 24.5 inches by 16.5 inches, which is about half an inch narrower than their predecessors.

This has raised concerns that some travelers' carry-on bags might no longer fit through the new scanners, potentially leading to extra fees or the need to check bags that were previously allowed to be carried onboard. Despite these worries, the TSA reassures the public that the vast majority of carry-on bags should still fit through the new scanners, as most airlines' size requirements for carry-ons (22 x 14 x 9 inches) are within the scanner's capacity.

The agency notes that bags that are too large or bulky may be inspected manually, but this could be inconvenient for some passengers. In such cases, it is advisable for travelers to check their airline's carry-on size limits beforehand to avoid any issues during security screening. The introduction of these new scanners could also potentially expedite the boarding process by reducing the time spent on gate-checking oversized bags, making the overall travel experience more efficient and less stressful for passengers.