Posted on 07/08/2025 11:30:04 AM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
For the first time in almost 20 years, travelers may no longer be required to take off their shoes during security screenings at U.S. airports.
The Transportation Security Administration is looking to abandon the additional security step that has for years bedeviled anyone passing through U.S airports, according to media reports.
If implemented, it would put an end to a security screening mandate put in place almost 20 years ago, several years after “shoe bomber” Richard Reid’s failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in late 2001.
The travel newsletter Gate Access was first to report that the security screening change is coming. ABC News reported on an internal memo sent to TSA officers last week that states the new policy allows travelers to keep their shoes on during standard screenings at many U.S. airports, beginning Sunday. That would expand to all airports shortly.
The plan is for the change to occur at all U.S. airports soon, the memo said.
Travelers have previously been able to skirt the extra security requirement if they participate in the TSA PreCheck program, which costs around $80 for five years. The program allows airline passengers to get through the screening process without removing shoes, belts or light jackets.
Travelers who are 75 years old or older and those 12 or younger do not have to remove shoes at security checkpoints.
The TSA has not officially confirmed the reported security screening change yet.
“TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance passenger experience and our strong security posture,” a TSA spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. “Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”
The TSA began in 2001 when President George W. Bush signed legislation for its creation two months...
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
This is a four year old story posted as if it had recently happened.
“If implemented, it would put an end to a security screening mandate put in place almost 20 years ago, several years after “shoe bomber” Richard Reid’s failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in late 2001.”
The most successful failure in Terror attacks ever.
Its about time!
TSA needs to either be eliminated or totally revamped.
There are total morons with power complexes working for TSA.
One told me my Global Entry card was only good for International flights.
Another said after I raised my arms to be wanded, “I didn’t tell you to raise your arms”
I have not removed shoes for 10 years.
That’s nice. Still ain’t flying for the most part. I will fly if it’s an absolute necessity but nothing lately approaches that. Air travel would have to improve a whole lot more before I would consider it.
The idiocy of this should have ended years ago, especially since enhanced x-ray screening started about a decade ago.
It always astounds me that we had a wide open border with the unvaccinated and reports of surface-to-air platforms being smuggled in and everyone else has to undress at the airports.
An act of muslim humility because Bush was a deep-state tool.
“TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance passenger experience and our strong security posture,” a TSA spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. “Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”
No matter what they do I still think they are staffed by incompetent, DEI plagued, power drunk, idiots.
Removing your shoes by the same government dolts who signed off on Start-Stop on automobiles.
Coming into Charlotte from Rome last May, the TSA agent told me I didn’t have to take off my shoes. I didn’t see anyone else being told.
After putting my items up for scanning an inspector told me to take off my shoes. As I was taking my shoes off I mentioned that I was told I didn’t have to. He asked who told me and I pointed to the agent a few feet away.
Then to my surprise, the lady at the body scanner motioned to me saying I didn’t have to take my shoes off. So, I put my shoe back on and went through.
Is that like what Mr Bean did except that you change socks?
Nope.
From Wiki:
The initial 2006 rule was repealed on July 7, 2025
So just yesterday!
Taking off my shoes on airports always aggravated me.
Every time I was forced to walk around in socks I dreamed how to get hold of That Robert Reid.
His trick caused billions to walk around in socks, they missed planes and it caused billions of damage!
I agree. I decided years ago, if I board another comm’l airliner it will be with handcuffs and an escort.
the best example as to why government always gets it wrong. I blame all of it on Bush the Lame—all of it happened under his watch.
Bless you Massah! You so kind!
nearly all the security screenings are unnecessary and wouldn’t help. As demonstrated constantly in US prisons, nearly anything can be used as or made into a weapon.
the things the DID help.. securing the cockpit, and stop instructing flight crews to calmly cooperate with any terrorist.
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