New TSA CT Scanners Pinch Bigger Carry-On Bags (simpleflying.com)
TSA's new CT scanners at US airports have tunnel openings of about 24.5 by 16.5 inches, while Frontier and Southwest allow carry-ons up to 24 by 16 by 10 inches, leaving only half an inch of clearance. Soft-shell or overstuffed bags can exceed the opening, causing travelers to be redirected or forced to check bags, possibly incurring fees. TSA had installed 1,162 CT units at 296 airports by July 6, 2026, and recommends checking large items when necessary.
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VendorsSouthwest (Airline)
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If a maximum-size 24 by 16 by 10 inch bag is laid flat and fed wheels-first, it presents a 16 by 10 inch face to the 24.5 by 16.5 inch opening, so the half-inch margin only comes into play when the bag goes in sideways. The overstuffed soft-sided case the article describes seems like the more realistic way travelers get caught.