(NewsNation) — After two decades of airline travelers shucking their shoes for security, the Transportation Safety Administration will now allow security checkpoints to ditch the shoes-off policy for the general public, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Monday.
The policy change, effective immediately, represents the most significant shift in airport security procedures since the shoe removal requirement was implemented in 2006 following the attempted “shoe bomber” attack.
“We want to improve this travel experience, but while maintaining safety standards and making sure that we are keeping people safe,” Noem said during a news conference at the Department of Homeland Security.
The timing comes as the U.S. prepares for a surge of international visitors for major events, including the Olympics, World Cup matches and America 250 celebrations over the next 12 months.
“When President Trump was elected he pledged to make life better for all Americans and that includes those who are travelers going through our busy airports,” Noem said.
“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,” Noem said.
Under the new policy, passengers will still undergo identity verification and pass through multiple screening layers. However, shoe removal will only be required in exceptional circumstances when additional screening is needed.
The change builds on recent TSA innovations, including family-friendly security lanes and expedited military lanes at select airports, Noem said. TSA has also implemented REAL ID requirements, achieving 94% compliance among passengers.
TSA enacted shoes-off policy in 2006 after shoe bomber attempt
The rule — and other safety measures like it, including banning gels, liquids and aerosols in bags — came about after a failed attack in 2001 on a flight from Paris to Miami.
Just two months after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Richard Reid boarded an American Airlines flight with homemade bombs hidden in his shoes.
Dubbed the “shoe bomber,” Reid was unable to light the fuse on his homemade bomb and was restrained. He pleaded guilty to eight terrorism-related charges in 2002.
In 2006, TSA began requiring passengers to remove their shoes to screen for explosives based on “intelligence pointing to a continuing threat,” according to TSA.
TSA Precheck, select passengers already avoided shoe policy
Some flyers were already avoiding going barefoot in the airport.
Travelers over age 75, children who appeared to be younger than 13 and passengers in certain programs, like TSA PreCheck and Clear, have typically been spared from the shoes-off policy.
NewsNation’s Damita Menezes contributed to this report.