The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to implement a significant change to its security protocols, allowing many passengers to keep their shoes on during screening at U.S. airport checkpoints. This update marks the end of a requirement that has been in place for nearly two decades, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
TSA officials shared details about this forthcoming modification during a briefing with industry stakeholders on Tuesday.
Passengers who participate in the TSA’s PreCheck program already have the benefit of keeping their shoes on, as well as being allowed to leave laptops and similar devices in their bags while going through security.
Officials from the TSA refrained from providing specific comments on the policy change but indicated that they and the Department of Homeland Security are continually assessing new strategies to improve the passenger experience while maintaining stringent security measures. Any updates regarding security processes will be announced through official channels.
Caleb Harmon-Marshall, a former TSA officer who runs the Gate Access newsletter, was among the first to report on this development.
