TSA checkpoints are truly uncomfortable, we know that. And for years (and still counting), millions of travellers have faced the same awkward routine: lining up, quickly taking off your shoes, stepping through the scanner, your personal items in the tray… And once you’re through, rushing to grab your stuff, put your shoes backon, and make sure no one sneaky has stolen your phone while you were distracted with your laces.
Now, the TSA has announced that removing shoes at security is no longer required. Finally, no more foot smells while going through the line! This marks the end of a post-9/11 era.
Effective since July 7 across all airports in the country, it applies to all travellers, regardless of whether they’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck or not. It’s the biggest change in the agency’s protocols since it was created, years of complaints are finally coming to an end! Finally!
A new era at TSA
The TSA’s decision wasn’t random. They’ve been working on these changes for years. Thanks to technological advances in scanning equipment, it’s now possible to detect if someone is carrying dangerous items or substances in their shoes without taking them off. And yes, it’s not that they couldn’t do it before, it’s just that they used to charge PreCheck users to skip the shoe removal. Now, all travellers can skip it.
Everything was announced on TSA’s TikTok, where an agent explained that the new policy aims to speed up the process, shorten lines, and get rid of an outdated step.
@travelwiththeharmony TSA to allow all passengers to keep their shoes on while going through airport security. #Travel ♬ original sound – Harmony
Political pressure and technical progress
In recent months, TSA has faced criticism from the public and even some lawmakers. Among them is Senator Mike Lee, who proposed shutting down the agency completely and handing security over to the airlines (????). Although his idea obviously didn’t move forward, it shows how frustrated travellers are with the current system.
So, after much debate, TSA has confirmed that it will update its security policies and no longer require a line of barefoot people to pass through security.
The end of an iconic policy after the “Shoe Bomber” attempt
Of course, this rule has been in place for over twenty years! And if you don’t know where it came from, here’s the story. It started in 2001 after the attempted attack by the so-called “Shoe Bomber,” Richard Reid, who tried to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes during a flight. Since then, the rule remained in place, even while other measures were relaxed.
But here’s the reality: in all these years, there hasn’t been another attempt like that. Combined with better scanning technology, TSA has determined that the rule is no longer necessary. They can still inspect shoes without making people go barefoot!
What this changes for travellers
From now on, going through security will be easier. No more stressing over finding socks without holes so no one gives you a weird look, and no more wasting time untying boots just to put them back on five seconds later.
Families traveling with kids or elderly relatives are especially relieved!
It also raises questions about the value of TSA PreCheck, since one of its main perks (keeping your shoes on) is no longer exclusive. Will people still renew the program?
By removing the need to take off shoes, TSA is finally modernizing the process without sacrificing safety!!! A win for travellers, and for the noses of the staff! Don’t you think so?