(The Hill) — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will soon allow travelers to keep their shoes on during the screening process, dropping a rule after nearly 20 years of enforcement, multiple outlets reported on Monday.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the change during a Tuesday press conference.
“TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture,” a TSA spokesperson said in an emailed statement to The Hill’s sister network, NewsNation.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to a CBS News report detailing the change by writing, “Big news from @DHSgov!” Tuesday morning on social media platform X, including a plane and shoe emoji.
The move was first reported Friday by Gate Access, a travel newsletter authored by Caleb Harmon-Marshall.
TSA has required travelers to take off their shoes when going through screening since 2006, based on “intelligence pointing to a continuing threat.”
The policy came into effect after Richard Reid attempted in December 2001, months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to detonate bombs hidden in his shoes on an American Airlines flight scheduled from Paris to Miami.
He struggled to light the fuse, with crew members and passengers restraining him, according to the FBI. The plane was diverted to Boston and law enforcement took the man into custody.
Reid pleaded guilty to eight terrorism-related counts in October 2002 and was sentenced to life in prison.
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