In a significant change to airport security procedures, travelers at select U.S. airports may no longer be required to remove their shoes during TSA screenings—a departure from the long-standing policy implemented after the 2001 attempted shoe bombing. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has not officially confirmed the update, several reports suggest the rule is being phased out, indicating a possible shift toward less restrictive screening measures, according to a report from CW39.
On Monday, two sources confirmed to CBS News that travelers at selected airports including Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale International, and four others would no longer be required to remove their footwear during regular security checks, these sources said airlines and TSA began asking passengers to remove shoes voluntarily after Richard Reid's attempt to detonate an explosive hidden in his shoe was thwarted by vigilant passengers and crew, Reid was subsequently apprehended and convicted on terrorism-related charges. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, also affirmed the change via social media, describing it as "big news" from the Department of Homeland Security.
Notably, passengers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, a service requiring an application and a clearance process. This latest TSA adjustment extends a similar concession to regular fliers, although official confirmation and details regarding the change are still forthcoming with the TSA spokesperson conceding TSA and DHS are always exploring new ways to "enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture," in a statement to CW39.
As travelers await official clarification on any changes to security screening procedures, news organizations and industry publications continue to track updates from the Transportation Security Administration.
