No more taking off your shoes at US airport security. Credit: Monkey Business Images, Shutterstock
Passengers travelling through US airports might be allowed to maintain their shoes on at security checkpoints, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on July 8.
In a national press release, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the long-standing requirement to remove shoes at TSA airport screening lines might be scrapped. The change is aimed toward making airport security faster, smoother, and more comfortable for travellers.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the most recent effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Noem.
She said passengers should expect significantly reduced wait times at TSA checkpoints, while still maintaining strict safety standards. The decision comes after continued technological improvements to screening equipment and identity verification.
Trump’s “Golden age of travel” plan
Secretary Noem described the rule change as a part of a broader push by the Trump administration to deliver a “recent Golden Age of American travel.”
“We are confident we will implement this alteration while maintaining the best security standards,” she added.
The shoes-off rule was introduced after the attempted “shoe bomb” attack in 2001. For years, it’s been seen by many travellers as a burdensome and unnecessary step in airport security – especially if you’ve got a lot of laces to tie up or buckles to secure.
Will other countries follow with the ending of the ‘shoes-off’ airport rule?
While this rule only applies to domestic US airports, the move could put pressure on other nations, reminiscent of the UK or EU member states, to re-evaluate their very own policies.
For expats and frequent fliers in Europe, could similar comfort-focused reforms be introduced? Would you support scrapping the ‘shoes-off’ rule in European airports too? Or do you think that it still plays an important role in flight safety? Let us know what you think that.
There have been recent airline and airport changes discussed at Euro Weekly News: Ryanair and easyJet cabin bag shake-up, plus airport liquid limits.
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