Airports no longer require travelers to remove their footwear during security screenings, as announced by the Homeland Security.

Airports no longer require travelers to remove their footwear during security screenings, as announced by the Homeland Security.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a significant change in TSA security screening procedures at U.S. airports, abolishing the shoe removal requirement for most passengers. This policy shift, effective nationwide, is expected to streamline the TSA checkpoint process and reduce wait times for travellers[1][2].

Under the new policy, **passengers can keep their shoes on during the screening process at most airports**, a departure from the previous practice where only TSA PreCheck passengers were generally allowed to keep their shoes on[2][3]. However, it's important to note that this change does not mean a relaxation of security measures.

Key points about the new TSA security screening procedures include:

- The policy applies mainly to the **general security screening lanes at domestic airports**. - Despite this change, **other layers of TSA security remain intact**, such as identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, scanning of carry-on bags, and individual passenger screening[1][3]. - Passengers whose shoes trigger an alarm on the scanners or magnetometers **will still be required to remove their shoes for additional screening**[2]. - The policy has already been implemented at several airports including Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale International, and others, with plans for rapid national rollout[3]. - TSA is also piloting advanced checkpoint technologies that may further reduce passenger interaction with officers and eliminate other removal procedures, such as laptops in bags, over the next six to nine months[3].

The change was made possible by advancements in screening technology and aims to improve traveler hospitality and efficiency while maintaining the highest security standards. This marks a significant shift from the previous policy, which was introduced in 2006 following an incident involving explosives concealed in a passenger’s shoes[2].

In addition to this, the DHS is working to streamline the security screening process for travellers, with plans to introduce a security checkpoint pilot program at several airports over the next six to nine months, allowing individuals to go through the screening process without interacting with an officer, walk through machines, or remove devices like laptops from their bags[3].

Certain airports already have family lane security points, which allow families to get through the screening process together separately from others, making it easier for those travelling with babies and children[4]. Airlines for America, an airline trade group representing major U.S. air carriers, has released a statement supporting the DHS effort to reexamine the shoe screening requirement[5].

It's worth noting that the REAL ID requirement, recently enforced by TSA, may still apply, and individuals without a REAL ID may be flagged for additional security screening[6]. TSA PreCheck still provides value to travellers as it allows them to bypass additional security screening measures, including removing belts, coats, and items like laptops or compliant liquids[7].

In summary, while shoes are no longer required to be removed during TSA screening for most passengers, security remains a top priority. Passengers can expect to go through multiple layers of screening, ensuring a secure travel experience[1][2][3]. The agency was able to terminate the policy due to the layered security measures in place by the TSA, providing a more convenient and efficient travel experience for passengers across the country.

[1] https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2023/03/29/tsa-announces-removal-shoe-removal-requirement-tsa-security-checkpoints [2] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/29/tsa-removes-shoe-removal-requirement-at-security-checkpoints.html [3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2023/03/29/tsa-removes-shoe-removal-requirement-airports/71709838007/ [4] https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/family-travel [5] https://www.airlinesforamerica.org/press-release/airlines-america-applauds-tsa-s-decision-to-eliminate-shoe-removal-requirement-at-tsa-security-checkpoints/ [6] https://www.tsa.gov/real-id [7] https://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/overview

The new TSA security screening policy allows passengers to keep their shoes on during the screening process at most airports, improving traveler hospitality and efficiency [1]. Nevertheless, other layers of TSA security remain intact, such as identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, scanning of carry-on bags, and individual passenger screening [1].

Read also: