The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin phasing out the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints in the United States. This change marks the end of a policy that has been in place for nearly two decades. The policy was initially introduced in response to the attempted shoe bombing by Richard Reid in December 2001 and further reinforced after a foiled terrorist plot in 2006 involving liquid explosives on transatlantic flights.
According to a government source, the decision to end shoe removal was confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While the TSA has not officially confirmed the change, a statement from TSA public affairs noted that they are “always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”
The change has already been observed at some airports. For instance, passengers at Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, New York, did not have to remove their shoes on Monday (July 7). However, at Chicago O’Hare, passengers were still required to remove their footwear on Tuesday morning.
Passengers enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program have long been exempt from removing their shoes, as the program involves a background check and an application fee.
The White House Press Secretary described the change as “big news” from the Department of Homeland Security. As the TSA continues to update its security processes, official announcements will be made through appropriate channels.
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