Photo: Shutterstock Passengers departing on flights from U.S. airports will no longer be required to remove their shoes during security screenings, according to a policy that has been in place for nearly two decades.
The procedure, which has been one of the iconic symbols of the security process since 2006, is now being abolished as part of a new policy aimed at streamlining passenger experience and reducing wait times at TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoints.
Many European airports have long since done away with the shoe-removal requirement in recent years, and the American change marks a significant shift in airport security policy in the U.S., welcomed by travelers and airport authorities alike.
The decision was announced by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who praised the advancement in security technology that makes shoe removal unnecessary.
Kristi Noem stated: "The end of the 'shoe removal' policy is the latest effort by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to modernize and enhance the passenger experience at the country's airports. We anticipate this change will drastically shorten passenger wait times at TSA checkpoints and lead to a more pleasant and efficient travel experience.
As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our advanced technological progress and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards.
This initiative is just one of many that the Trump administration is undertaking to incorporate the president's vision for a new golden era of American travel."
For example, on July 2, the TSA announced the "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease" program, offering special benefits to servicemembers in uniform and their families, including discounts on enrollment in the PreCheck program and expedited lanes at selected airports.
In May, the implementation of the REAL ID standard at checkpoints began, with an impressive compliance rate of 94%, leading to further efficiency in the security process.
Notably, the TSA implemented the rule in August 2006, following increased security concerns due to an attempted shoe-bombing by British citizen Richard Reid in December 2001. Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami, causing authorities to tighten security screening procedures.