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The TSA currently requires passengers to remove their shoes when going through a security checkpoint. Now, a new report claims the government agency has rolled back this mandate.
A major disruption to travelers may soon be a thing of the past.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reportedly rolling back its “shoes off” policy at the security line for general passengers, according to online travel sites.
Travel newsletter Gate Access claims the TSA will soon allow all passengers to keep their shoes on during the security checkpoint, which will reduce wait times and keep the lines moving faster. “The change comes after years of public frustration over inconsistent airport experiences, long security lines, and a growing debate over the necessity of certain screening procedure,” according to the newsletter's writer, and former TSA employee, Caleb Harmon-Marshall.
The TSA did not confirm the news or elaborate on the report. When asked for a comment, the agency told Travel + Leisure: “TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture. Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”
On Tuesday morning, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt seemingly confirmed this massive change in a post on X, calling it “big news” from the Department of Homeland Security.
On social media, some travelers shared personal experiences of keeping their shoes on through the security checkpoint. “The agents told me this is a new rule, and so long as your shoes don’t make the alarm go off, no need to remove them,” one traveler wrote on X.
This policy change is reportedly impacting select airports, so travelers shouldn't assume their airport is one of them. According to The New York Times, New York City's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is among those that will now allow travelers to keep their shoes on.
The TSA has previously allowed certain passengers to keep their shoes on as part of the screening process. For example, travelers with TSA PreCheck membership could pass through security screening machines without taking off their shoes. Also, passengers 75 years and older did not need to remove their shoes during the security process.
The TSA recently introduced a new program called “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” that provides free or discounted memberships to TSA PreCheck for veterans and their families.
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