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Travelers react to end of TSA's no-shoe policy
Change is afoot for airports and travelers across the country. Effective immediately, the TSA will no longer require passengers to take off their shoes while going through security checkpoints.
ATLANTA - The Transportation Security Administration is rolling out a new policy that will eventually allow travelers to keep their shoes on during security screenings at U.S. airports, according to multiple reports.
What we know:
The updated policy will reportedly apply to all passengers in all lanes but is being implemented gradually.
So far, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is not on the list of locations where the change has taken effect.
What they're saying:
FOX 5 Atlanta reached out to the TSA regarding the policy at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and received the following statement:
"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."
According to Newsweek, the following airports have implemented the new policy: Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York City's LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Portland International Airport (PDX), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI).
FILE PHOTO. An air traveler places his shoes in a bin before passing through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security check at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on February 20, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by ROBYN …
It was later in the day that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a policy change.
"Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports," said Secretary Noem. "We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards. This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel."
The other side:
Passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are for the most part, on board with the change.
"I think it's great," said James Bouie, "Everybody taking off their shoes takes too much time. You could be here for hours."
Some passengers think the change could pose a safety risk.
"I understand why we've been doing it. I think it's an extra layer of precaution and safety that now doesn't exist," said Andrea Goodwin.
The backstory:
The policy went into effect in 2006, nearly 5 years after a terrorist tried to detonate an explosive in his shoe on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami.
All passengers between the ages of 12 and 75 were required to remove their shoes, which were scanned along with carry-on bags and other separated items such as outerwear.
TSA's PreCheck program, which costs approximately $80 for 5 years, allows passengers who are members to keep their shoes on.
Noem said that PreCheck will remain the easier option for the time being since people going through regular screening stations will still have to put items besides shoes on a conveyor belt for scanning.
The news was first reported by Gate Access.