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Nearly 20 years after airline passengers were first required to remove their shoes for security screening, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is beginning to phase out the policy at airports across the United States, according to media reports.
The directive, issued last week, states that starting Sunday, all passengers will be allowed to keep their shoes on in general screening lanes at many major airports — not just those enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
The goal is to expand the new policy to all US airports shortly, the memo reportedly states.
Faster checkpoints, fewer hassles
The change marks a significant move toward modernising and streamlining airport security, which has long been criticised for delays and inconvenience. TSA has spent years exploring ways to improve the efficiency of checkpoint processes without compromising safety.
Previously, only passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck — a program that allows for expedited screening — could typically keep their shoes on.
Shoe removal became standard after 2001 incident
The TSA began requiring passengers to remove their shoes in 2006, in response to a 2001 incident in which British national Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his footwear on a flight from Paris to Miami. Reid’s plot failed after he was subdued by passengers and crew, but the incident led to sweeping changes in airport screening protocols.
New policy comes with a warning
Despite the relaxed rule, passengers may still be asked to remove their shoes during additional screening if they trigger the alarm while passing through a scanner or magnetometer.
Anyone who triggers the alarm will still be subject to further screening, including shoe removal, the memo clarifies.
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