TSA Ends Shoe Removal Requirement at US Airports

In a significant shift for air travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially ended its requirement for passengers to remove their shoes during security screenings at U.S. airports. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the change, effective immediately nationwide, stating that advancements in security technology have made the nearly two-decade-old protocol unnecessary.

The “shoes-off” policy was initially implemented in 2006, several years after the attempted “shoe bomber” attack by Richard Reid in late 2001. For years, all passengers between the ages of 12 and 75 were required to remove their footwear for scanning, a measure that often contributed to long lines and frustration at security checkpoints. Only those enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program were previously exempt from this rule.

According to Secretary Noem, a successful pilot program demonstrated that the TSA now possesses the necessary equipment and a multi-layered security approach to maintain airport and aircraft safety while allowing passengers to keep their shoes on. This move is expected to streamline the screening process and significantly reduce wait times, enhancing the overall travel experience.

While shoe removal is no longer standard procedure, travelers should be aware that they may still be asked to take off their footwear if additional screening is deemed necessary, such as if an alarm is triggered at scanners or magnetometers. Other security protocols, including the removal of belts, light jackets, laptops, and liquid restrictions, generally remain in place, though the agency plans to review further rules and procedures to identify more opportunities for simplification and expedited processing.

This policy change marks one of the most substantial adjustments to TSA screening in over a decade, signaling a new era of potentially faster and more convenient air travel for millions of Americans.

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