I think it’s safe to say that taking off your belt and shoes have to be two of the most annoying aspects of going through airport security.
This is finally changing in the United States as the Transport Security Administration (TSA) has updated its policy, and will no longer require passengers to take off their shoes during screening at U.S. airports.
The Department of Homeland Security formally acknowledged the change, publishing a statement on July 8, saying:
“Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints.”
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Secretary Noem. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements 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 the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel.”
Following 9/11 and the December 11, 2001 show bomber incident, TSA officials decide to conduct random spot checks, pulling aside passengers to have their shoes scanned separately. This policy was eventually implemented across the board on August 10, 2006, with the only exception before for children ages 12 years and under, and adults 75 years and older.
When TSA PreCheck launched in 2011, one of the benefits included not having to remove your shoes. This was one of their stronger selling points, but now that the TSA has dropped this requirement, it’s a small blow to those who paid for PreCheck.
Anyone with REAL ID-compliant forms of identification, or other forms of acceptable ID (e.g. passport and relevant travel authorizations and/or visas) will be allowed to keep their shoes on. However, if you do not have an acceptable form of ID or require secondary screening, you’ll still have to take your shoes off during the enhanced screening process.
Now can we scrap the 100ml liquid rule?
