Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem rescinded the long-standing shoes-off policy, allowing passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. The new policy will increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times.
“Ending the shoes-off policy is the latest effort the Department of Homeland Security is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” says Noem in a prepared statement. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multilayered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards. This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the president’s vision for a new ‘Golden Age of American travel.’”
Other aspects of TSA’s layered security approach will still apply during the TSA checkpoint process. For example, passengers subject must still clear identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other processes.
