Many travelers in the United States will welcome a new change at airport security checkpoints, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer require you to take off your shoes when going through screening. This new policy is effective immediately, according to Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, who announced the update on Tuesday.
This change aims to improve your travel experience while still maintaining safety standards. “We want to improve this travel experience, but while maintaining safety standards and making sure that we are keeping people safe,” Noem explained. Although shoes will remain on, the TSA will continue its layered security approach, meaning you will still pass through multiple layers of screening and identity verification during the process.
The shoe-removal rule was introduced almost two decades ago following events involving the “shoe bomber,” Richard Reid, who in December 2001 attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes during a flight from Paris to Miami. The requirement to remove shoes at checkpoints became more widespread nearly five years later due to ongoing threats, including a foiled plot in August 2006 involving liquid explosives on transatlantic flights. That incident also led to the TSA’s well-known 3-1-1 liquids rule regarding carry-on luggage.
Over these years, security technology has dramatically evolved. Noem pointed out that the TSA has upgraded scanners and increased the number of officers in some areas, all contributing to this decision. The introduction of REAL ID compliance has added another layer of security by providing clear information about who is passing through checkpoints.
If you have participated in the Trusted Traveler Program, TSA PreCheck, you might already be familiar with not having to remove your shoes during screening. Although TSA PreCheck has required travelers to submit to background checks and pay application fees, it allowed convenient screening that avoided the shoe removal step. Noem stated that despite the policy change, she expects TSA PreCheck will continue to offer value for travelers who prefer expedited screening and other benefits.
Additionally, Noem mentioned that other TSA rules are under review with a focus on whether they can be changed safely to improve your travel experience further. The elimination of the shoe removal requirement marks a significant shift in the TSA’s security procedures and demonstrates how advancements in technology and security protocols are reshaping airport screening.
As you prepare for your next trip, you may find your airport experience smoother and less disruptive without the need to remove your shoes. Despite this change, be assured that multiple security layers remain in place to keep you safe as you travel through U.S. airports. Now that airport security is smoother, it’s a great time to plan a spontaneous budget-friendly trip without all the hassle.