Passengers departing from certain airports in the United States will soon be able to wear shoes at security checkpoints – regardless of whether they have TSA Precheck access.
Multiple media reported that the Traffic Safety Administration has begun to phase out its long-term policies, requiring most travelers to take off their shoes for safety inspections. The change will reportedly start with a certain number of airports.
TSA has not officially announced the change.
A spokesperson asked on Monday that the spokesperson did not confirm or deny that the agency’s key shoe policy shift is underway, noting that it “always explore novel and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong safety posture.”
“Any potential updates to our security processes will be released through official channels,” the agency added.
Read more: We’ve been doing safety at airports across the country on Day 1 of Real ID: What Can You Expect
Since August 2006, the TSA has asked most passengers to take off their shoes for screening to better screen explosives. Concerns about the security threat of passenger footwear can basically be traced back to Richard Reid’s terrifying plot in 2001, which was later called the “shoe bomber.”
Travelers with the ability to enter the TSA Precheck lane have been able to provide safety without taking off their shoes.
This change will represent a significant shift in passengers without the fast track TSA Precheck visit.
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In recent years, TSA has shown a desire to relax the requirements of its toughest checkpoints due to new screening technologies.
At many airports across the country, new high-definition computed tomography scanners now allow passengers in all lanes to leave laptops and liquids in their bags – a benefit accompanied by a lot of criticism of the speed of these machines.
Read more: 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA Precheck, global entries and clear ways to
Last year, TSA’s former administrator told me that he hopes passengers can bring full-size liquid into the near future through checkpoints in carry-on bags, as more airports receive higher power scanners, although any shift with the 3-1-1 liquid liquid policy still seems to be years old.
As for taking off shoes, we recommend that you prohibit official TSA guidance on instructions from any airport (or sign) of any airport you flew from.
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