Your Carry-on Might Not Fit The New TSA Scanners At Louisiana Airports

(KMDL-FM) Air travelers at Louisiana's seven commercial airports might have already noticed a major change in how the Transportation Security Administration and its agents handle carry-on bags. The Administration, along with the airlines, is cracking down on size restrictions for those items.

Ryan Murphy, Getty Images

This will mean that for many travelers, what "fit just fine last time" won't work at all this time. That's why you need to be aware of the changes in size restrictions. TSA has installed more than 250 3D computed tomography scanners at checkpoints around the nation.

What Has TSA Changed regarding Carry-On Bags for Flights Out of Louisiana?

Essentially, with the new technology, TSA is giving your luggage a CT scan. In fact, the 3-D imaging used in the TSA scanners is reported to be medical grade. It allows the agent inspecting the bag to rotate it 360 degrees and assess volumetric images, object density, and do a better job of more accurately screening for explosives, weapons, or dangerous chemicals.

John Moore, Getty Images

Now, if you've ever had a CT scan or an MRI, you know you have to place the scanned item in a controlled space. This is where the size issue comes into play. The maximum size limits for a standard domestic carry-on bag in the United States are 22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches tall.

READ MORE: Here's How to Make Sure Your Checked Bags are First Off the Plane

The new TSA advanced 3D CT scanners have entry tunnels that will barely accept bags of that size. The TSA scanners have an entry tunnel that is 24.5 inches wide by 16.5 inches high. So, if your bag won't fit in the TSA scanner, it won't fit on the aircraft in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

What Happens if TSA Says Your Carry-On Bag is Too Large?

Megan Varner, Getty Images

Please remember that different airlines have different standards for carry-on luggage, so it's always a good idea to measure your bags and weigh your bags before you travel. If your bag is turned away at TSA, it's not the end of the world; you can always go back to the ticket counter and pay to have it checked.

READ MORE: 17 Absurd Encounters You're Likely to Have at a Louisiana Airport

And if you carry unexposed film or other sensitive electronic equipment in your carry-on, you might want to double-check and make sure that a CT scan on that equipment or those devices won't cause any unexpected harm.