The Transportation Security Administration’s new X-ray scanners are better in almost every way for travelers, except one: The smaller opening may not fit some carry-on bags.
The new 3D computed tomography (CT) X-ray machines have been around for a decade, and started rolling out in earnest in 2022. The multibillion-dollar project aims to make security screening more effective and speed up lines by allowing passengers to leave items like laptops and toiletries in their bags.
The catch is that the opening is about half an inch smaller than the machines it replaced.
Some reports are sounding the alarm that this change could force travelers to pay extra to check a bag once allowed through TSA, or buy a new one small enough to fit. The agency notes on its website that the enhanced scanners may mean certain carry-on bags now need to be checked.
The reality is not so dire.
Why your carry-on should still fit
The TSA’s new scanners — nearly 1,200 of which have been deployed at roughly 300 airports nationwide — measure 24.5 inches wide and 16.5 inches high; depth is continuous on the belt.
Looking at every US airline’s maximum carry-on dimensions, the standard carry-on allowance, largely set based on what can fit in an overhead bin, is 22 x 14 x 9. Frontier and Southwest are the most generous at 24 x 16 × 10. Either way, any carry-on that meets the airline’s size requirements should fit through the new scanner.
As a frequent traveler who flies several times a month, I have cleared security at numerous airports with these new scanners, including New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Denver, and Chicago. My Beis roller, which is slightly larger than standard and measures about 23 x 16 x 10, fit through the machine every time.
Travelers who may have trouble getting their carry-ons through the new scanners are likely those who were bringing bags that were too big or bulky to begin with.
For example, soft-shelled bags stuffed to the brim so they protrude may not fit. Expandable bags that cannot pack down, or those with bulky handles and wheels, may also not make the cut.
Check your airline’s size limits first
The TSA said carry-on bags that are too big may be inspected manually by a security officer, though passengers may be sent back to check them instead.
This could be an inconvenience, so travelers should do extra research before flying to ensure that any carry-on they regularly use meets their airline’s allowance.
If it does, you shouldn’t have to worry about your bag not fitting — and you can enjoy a potentially easier and quicker security experience.
And another positive side effect: The change may effectively improve boarding by reducing the time wasted on gate-checking oversized carry-ons. Win-win.
What’s your take on the TSA’s new scanners? Let us know in the comments.
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