That pesky ritual of kicking off your shoes at airport security checkpoints is officially a thing of the past.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced in July that it’s finally scrapping the long-standing “shoes off” policy, much to the relief of weary fliers.
The change took effect immediately, but reports from airports indicate that not all travelers are aware.
For years, stepping through airport security meant untying your laces and sending your footwear through the X-ray machine.
The policy was a frequent source of sighs and grumbles from passengers.
Federal authorities put the policy place back in 2006. Its purpose was to check for hidden explosives.
The “shoes off” saga traces back to a dramatic incident in December 2001, when Richard Reid tried to detonate explosives stashed in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami.
Initially, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) simply suggested travelers remove their shoes voluntarily, but by August 2006, it became a mandatory step for everyone.
If you were in the TSA PreCheck program, you already got to keep your shoes on.
Why the change now?
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explained that ditching the policy will make things easier for travelers and speed up those dreaded TSA wait times.
“We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience,” Noem said in a statement.
Despite the removal of the shoe requirement, other security measures remain in place at aurports.
Passengers are still required to remove belts, coats, laptops, and certain items from bags.
Rules limiting gels and liquids in carry-on items to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) are still enforced, and checked bags must undergo X-ray screenings.
Noem did state earlier this summer the TSA was reviewing more security measures for planes.
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