Passengers at many major U.S. airports will soon be allowed to keep their shoes on during general security screening, marking the end of a nearly 20-year-old policy. The change begins Sunday at several airports and will expand nationwide.
Policy Shift Aims to Speed Up Screening
According to a TSA memo obtained by ABC News, the goal is to improve checkpoint efficiency. Until now, only TSA PreCheck passengers typically kept their shoes on. Travelers who trigger security alarms will still be asked to remove their shoes for further screening.
Origins of the Shoes-Off Rule
The policy was first implemented in 2006, five years after Richard Reid’s failed attempt to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a transatlantic flight.
Nationwide Rollout Planned
TSA plans to extend this change to all U.S. airports in the near future. The agency has been working for years on ways to streamline the security process without compromising safety.
TSA Has Not Yet Commented
ABC News has reached out to TSA officials for further clarification on the new policy.
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