DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy
Passengers can now keep their shoes on at TSA security checkpoints.
Have you heard? The days of removing your shoes to go through airport security for all travelers is officially over. The Department of Homeland Security recently announced a new policy which allows passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints.
The DHS says the policy, which went into effect immediately, 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 DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation's airports," said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. "We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience."
Noem continued to explain that security remains a top priority, and that thanks to cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, DHS is confident they can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards.
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.
Ending the "Shoes-Off" policy is the latest in a series of changes DHS has implemented since the Trump administration entered office. On July 2nd, TSA announced its "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease" program which provides special benefits to uniformed service members and their families, including a TSA PreCheck enrollment discount and expedited access lanes at select airports. In May, TSA began implementation of REAL ID at airport checkpoints, which has seen a 94% compliance rate and has led to what DHS says is a more efficient security process.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Want articles like this one sent directly to your inbox? Subscribe to our weekly eNews here.
