The explanation isn't straightforward.
Can you finally keep your shoes on at airport security?
Source: Frames For Your Heart/Unsplash
A significant inconvenience for travelers might soon become a thing of the past.
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The travel newsletter Gate Access asserts that the TSA will soon permit all passengers to keep their shoes on during the security screening process, which is expected to shorten wait times and accelerate line movement. "This adjustment comes after years of public dissatisfaction over inconsistent airport experiences, prolonged security queues, and an increasing debate regarding the necessity of certain screening procedures," stated Caleb Harmon-Marshall, the newsletter's author and a former TSA employee.
The TSA didn't verify the information or elaborate on the report. When asked for a comment, the agency responded: "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, July 8th, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared to confirm this major change in a post on X, labeling it "big news" from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Source: JJ Jordan/Unsplash
On social media, some travelers shared their personal experiences of passing through security checkpoints without removing their shoes. "The agents informed me this is a new regulation, and as long as your shoes don't trigger the alarm, there's no need to take them off," one traveler posted on X.
This policy change reportedly affects only specific airports, so travelers shouldn't assume it applies to their local airport. According to The New York Times, NYC's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is among the locations that will now allow travelers to keep their shoes on.
The TSA has previously permitted certain passengers to keep their shoes on as part of the screening process. For instance, travelers with a TSA PreCheck membership could proceed through security screening machines without removing their footwear. In addition, passengers aged 75 years and older weren't required to take off their shoes during the security procedure.
The TSA recently introduced a new initiative called "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease." This program offers complimentary or reduced-cost TSA PreCheck memberships to veterans and their immediate families.
Making travel easier: what about parking at the airport?
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