In a significant policy shift, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Tuesday that travelers will no longer be required to remove their shoes when passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints at airports across the United States.
This change brings an end to a mandate that has been in place for nearly two decades.
Secretary Noem stated that the new policy will be implemented at all airports nationwide.
She expressed confidence in the enhanced security measures that have been put in place over recent years, which now allow travelers to keep their shoes on during the screening process.
“There will be individuals at times that will be asked to remove their shoes, if we think there is additional layers of screening that is necessary that may still happen to an individual,” Noem explained during a press conference held at Reagan National Airport.
The Secretary noted that the TSA evaluated equipment at airports nationwide to ensure adequate security while allowing this change.
The decision to eliminate the shoe removal requirement is attributed to what Noem termed as “layered security” measures now in place by the TSA.
These layers of security include additional personnel at checkpoints, upgraded scanning technology, and the recently enforced REAL ID requirement.
Noem emphasized that travelers will continue to undergo multiple layers of security screening, including identity verification.
She highlighted the recent success TSA has experienced in implementing the REAL ID program, which was established over 20 years ago but has only recently been put into effect.
Importantly, travelers without a REAL ID will also not need to remove their shoes, although they may be subject to additional screening for various reasons.
Despite the relaxation of the shoe removal mandate, Noem assured travelers that TSA PreCheck remains a valuable option for those wishing to expedite their security experience.
“I believe PreCheck will still be something that many travelers will want to utilize, because when they have TSA PreCheck, they won’t have to take off their belt or their coat or remove things out of their bag that such as laptops or compliant liquids,” she stated.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience, Noem revealed that the agency is working on a new pilot program for airport security checkpoints.
This program, anticipated within the next six to nine months, aims to allow travelers to complete the screening process without having to interact with a TSA officer, walk through machines, or remove devices like laptops from their bags.
Noem also pointed to existing family lane security points at certain airports, which facilitate smoother screening for families traveling with babies and children.
In support of the policy change, Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. carriers, released a statement praising Secretary Noem for her leadership in reviewing the longstanding shoe screening requirement.
Nicholas E. Calio, president and CEO of the organization, commented, “This policy change will go a long way in facilitating smooth, seamless and secure travel for passengers and is welcome news to the millions of people who fly every day.”
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