You can now wear your shoes at some airports, including LaGuardia. For the first time in 20 years the Transportation Security Administration is allowing travelers to wear shoes during screening. Travelers no longer have to remove shoes at these airports. The TSA did this for convenience and speed. A source told that the T.S.A. dropped the shoe removal rule.The agency has not announced or confirmed this.TSA officials have not given an official statement.They are not saying anything publicly about it. It seems to be rolling out at airports everywhere.
A T.S.A. spokesperson said they’re always looking for ways to improve security and the passenger experience. He said they’ll let us know through official channels and used to be a T.S.A. officer. And he saw a soft launch of the policy at an airport. Also he added also read an internal memo that briefed officers on the change. Harmon-Marshall said in an email, “It’s good for passengers and long overdue.”
He said officers can screen passengers faster.
By Allyson Versprille and Myles Miller
US travelers may be able to keep their shoes on at standard security checkpoints soon. This will speed up screening for passengers. The Transportation Security Administration is updating its policies to allow this. They want to give TSA PreCheck passengers this benefit to everyone. People familiar with the plan told me this. TSA is ending a rule that’s been in place for almost 20 years. This is one of the most visible and hated security measures since 9/11.Critics call the shoe rule “security theater,” not real security. They also blame it for longer wait times at US airports.
Why It Matters
It’s a hassle and slows down the lines. Many travelers get frustrated with the discomfort and delays. The new policy may speed up the lines. It could make air travel easier for millions of US passengers each year. TSA introduced the shoe rule in 2006 after Richard Reid’s 2001 bombing attempt. Reid tried to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes on a trans-Atlantic flight. That incident made the TSA focus on screening shoes for hidden threats. It became a key part of post-9/11 airport security in the US. Travelers with TSA PreCheck or a known traveler number can already keep their shoes on. They skip this step at all domestic airports.
What To Know
CBS News says the new protocol rolls out in phases. The first airports to lift the shoe rule are BWI, FLL, CVG, PDX, PHL, and PTI. CBS also reports travelers at LAX and LaGuardia kept their shoes on Monday night.
He said it’s the biggest TSA screening change in over 10 years and noted the agency hasn’t confirmed anything publicly yet. Also he said internal sources are telling TSA officers nationwide new guidance is already out.
He said SOPs are being rewritten.He said some officers are being told when shoes may still need extra screening. Harmon-Marshall thinks politics is behind the timing. He describes himself as a former federal security officer in his bio.
REAL ID Now in Effect
REAL ID is now active for U.S. travelers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in May over 80% of travelers are already compliant. She said this during a congressional hearing.
What People Are Saying
A TSA spokesman told the New York Times, “TSA and DHS always look for ways to improve security and passenger experience.” He said, “We will announce any security process changes through official channels.” Modern scanners can now detect threats without passengers having to remove shoes.
The TSA posted this update in an internal memo. Interestingly, TSA still plans to keep liquid restrictions in place until 2040. Despite better scanning for liquids, that rule will be around for a long time. This raises questions about TSA’s approach to security rules. Some wonder if politics forced TSA to relax the shoe rule now. TSA is bloated, inefficient and ineffective. Recent bills have even tried to abolish TSA altogether.That negative image might be forcing TSA to change unpopular rules.
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