TSA to Relax Shoe Removal Policy at US Airports

Travelers May Soon Keep Shoes On During Airport Security.

For The First Time In Almost 20 Years, Travelers May No Longer Be Required To Take off Thier Shoes During Security Screenings At Certain U.S. Airports. The Transportation Security Governance (TSA) Is Looking To Abandon The Additional Security Step that Has For Years Bedeviled Anyone Passing Thru U.S. Airports, According To Media Reports.

The Change Follows years Of Enhanced Security Measures.

If Implemented, It Would Put An End To A Security Screening Mandate Put In Place Almost Two Decades Ago, Several Years After “Shoe Bomber” Richard Reid’s Failed Attempt to Take Down A Flight From Paris To Miami In Late 2001. The travel Newsletter Gate access First Reported The Upcoming Security Screening Change.

New Policy Rollout Begins This Weekend.

An Internal Memo Sent To TSA Officers Last week States the New Policy Allows Travelers To Keep Their Shoes On During Screenings At Many U.S. Airports Beginning This Sunday. The Plan Is For The Change To Occur at All U.S. Airports Soon, According to The Memo.

TSA PreCheck Remains An Option.

Travelers Were Able To Skirt The Extra Security Requirement If They Were Part Of The TSA PreCheck Program, Which Costs About $80 For Five years. The Program Allows Airline Passengers To Get Through The Screening Process Without Removing Shoes,Belts Or Light Jackets.

Official Confirmation Pending.

The TSA Has Not Officially Confirmed The Reported Security Screening Change yet. “TSA And [The Department Of Homeland Security] Are Always Exploring New and Innovative Ways To Enhance Passenger Experience And Our Strong Security Posture,” A TSA Spokesperson Said In A Statement On Tuesday.

A History Of Airport Security.

The TSA Began In 2001 When George W. Bush, The U.S. President At The Time, Signed Legislation For Its Creation Two Months After The September 11 Terrorist Attacks That Year. The Agency Included Federal Airport Screeners That Replaced The Private companies Airlines had Used To Handle Security.

Disclaimer: This article provides details regarding potential changes to TSA security procedures. Security protocols are subject to change, and travelers should always check the latest guidelines from the TSA and their airlines before traveling. This is not legal or financial advice.

What are the potential consequences if the AIT scanner alerts security personnel?

What’s Changing with Airport Security & Shoes?

For years, the ritual of removing shoes at airport security checkpoints has been a staple of air travel.Though, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is poised to significantly relax this policy, offering a smoother, faster experience for passengers. This shift is part of ongoing efforts to modernize security procedures while maintaining a high level of safety. the changes are expected to roll out progressively across major US airports throughout 2025.

The new Screening Technology: advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)

The core of this policy change lies in the deployment of more complex Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners. These newer scanners are capable of accurately detecting threats without requiring passengers to remove shoes.

Here’s how the new technology works:

Enhanced Detection Capabilities: AIT scanners utilize millimeter wave technology to create a 3D image of the body, identifying potential concealed objects.

Reduced Intrusion: The latest generation of AIT scanners offers improved privacy features, minimizing the display of sensitive personal details.

Faster Throughput: By eliminating the shoe removal step, AIT significantly speeds up the screening process, reducing wait times at security checkpoints.

Which Airports Will See Changes First?

The TSA is implementing this change in phases, prioritizing airports with high passenger volume and those equipped with the latest AIT technology. Initial rollout is focused on:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Denver International Airport (DEN)

The TSA website will provide a continually updated list of airports participating in the relaxed shoe removal program. Travelers can check the TSA website before their flight to confirm the policy at their departure airport.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

The relaxation of the shoe removal policy offers several benefits for air travelers:

Time Savings: A notable reduction in time spent at security checkpoints.

Increased Convenience: Eliminates the hassle of removing and repacking shoes.

Improved Passenger Experience: Contributes to a less stressful and more pleasant travel experience.

Reduced Contact: Minimizes physical contact with potentially contaminated surfaces at security.

Still need to Be Prepared: What You Do Still Need to Do

While shoe removal will no longer be required at participating airports, standard security procedures remain in place. Passengers should still:

Have boarding pass and ID readily available.

Remove large electronics (laptops, tablets) from bags and place them in a separate bin.

Remove liquids and gels from carry-on bags and place them in a quart-sized bag.

Empty pockets of all items (keys, phones, coins).

Be prepared for a possible pat-down if the AIT scanner alerts security personnel.

TSA PreCheck & Known Traveler Numbers (KTN)

Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck or utilizing their Known Traveler Number (KTN) will continue to experience expedited screening. The relaxed shoe removal policy will be integrated into the PreCheck lane, further streamlining the process for eligible passengers. TSA precheck members already enjoy benefits like not removing shoes, belts, or light jackets.

The Future of Airport Security

The TSA’s move to relax the shoe removal policy is indicative of a broader trend towards risk-based security. This approach focuses on identifying and mitigating the highest threats while minimizing inconvenience for the vast majority of travelers. Future advancements in security technology are expected to further refine the screening process,making air travel safer and more efficient. Expect to see continued investment in technologies like:

Computed Tomography (CT) scanners for carry-on bags: Providing a more detailed 3D image of bag contents.

Biometric identification: Utilizing facial recognition and other biometric data to verify passenger identity.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning: Improving threat detection accuracy and reducing false alarms.

Real-World Example: Denver International Airport Pilot Program

Denver