By newswires
Several U.S. airports have begun phasing out the longstanding requirement for passengers to remove their shoes during TSA screenings, a policy in place since 2006.
Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Portland, Philadelphia, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, and North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad airports are among those now allowing travelers to keep their shoes on, according to CBS News.
Reports suggest the rule is also being relaxed at LAX in Los Angeles and New York City’s LaGuardia.
The change hasn’t been officially announced by the TSA, though a recent press release said the agency is “exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the shift “big news,” and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference on Tuesday about it.
The rule was introduced following the failed 2001 shoe bombing attempt by Richard Reid and became standard after the 9/11 attacks. Until now, only TSA PreCheck travelers and children were exempt.
VIDEO:
Newark didn’t make me take off my shoes