New tech has dropped at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rolled out new security checkpoint scanners at RSW.

Computed tomography (CT) checkpoint X-ray machines will now be screening carry-on items.

“This new technology creates such a clear image of a bag’s contents that the system can automatically detect explosives and other threat items by shooting hundreds of images with an X-ray camera spinning around the items to provide TSA officers with a 3-D view of the contents of a carry-on bag,” TSA said in a news release.

Along with providing enhanced security, the new scanners allow travelers to leave laptops and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags. Additionally, passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their travel-sized 3-1-1 liquids, the TSA said.

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However, in what may be a bit of a downer for some, the TSA confirmed that the new CT scanners have smaller openings than the old machines.

Here’s what that means for your carry-on bag when flying out of the Fort Myers airport.

Is the new TSA scanner opening smaller?

Yes. A Florida TSA spokesperson told FOX 13 that these new scanners have a smaller opening than older scanners, adding that the smaller opening is necessary to make sure the machine works correctly.

“This design is necessary to accommodate the advanced imaging technology and ensure optimal performance,” TSA Spokesperson Daniel Velez explained to the outlet. “TSA officers are available to assist travelers with larger items or special needs to help ensure a smooth screening process.”

Will your carry-on fit the new TSA scanners?

No need to panic; your usual carry-on will most likely still work.

The TSA’s new scanners measure 24.5 inches wide and 16.5 inches high, with the depth depending on the belt. According to a report by simpleflying.com, the size that airlines typically allow for carry-on items, which is measured as 22″ x 14″ x 9″, will fit in the new scanners.

Most anecdotes about bags not fitting through the new scanner come from people who brought bags that were too big through security.

“CT units have a slightly smaller entry tunnel, and not all larger carry-on bags will fit into the units. TSA recommends that large carry-on items be checked with the airline,” the TSA noted.

Before your next trip, check your airline’s size limits first and measure your bags ahead of time to avoid having to check them in.

These Florida airports have the new TSA scanners

In an email to the USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida, the TSA confirmed the new scanners are in use at the these Florida airports:

DAB – Daytona Beach InternationalDJT – President Donald J Trump InternationalECP – Northwest Florida Beaches InternationalEYW – Key West InternationalFLL – Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood InternationalGNV – Gainesville RegionalJAX – Jacksonville InternationalLAL – Lakeland Linder InternationalMCO – Orlando InternationalMIA – Miami InternationalMLB – Melbourne Orlando InternationalPIE – St Pete-Clearwater InternationalPNS – Pensacola InternationalRSW – Southwest Florida InternationalSFB – Orlando Sanford InternationalSRQ – Sarasota/Bradenton InternationalTLH – Tallahassee InternationalTPA – Tampa InternationalVPS – Eglin AFB/Destin-Ft Walton Beach

Only two Florida airports do not have the new TSA scanners: PGD – Punta Gorda and VRB – Vero Beach Regional.

Kim Luciani is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s Audience team. Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: New TSA scanners now at Fort Myers airport. Will your bag still fit?

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Reporting by Kim Luciani and Samantha Neely, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press

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This story was originally published October 1, 2026 at 4:51 PM.