• Travelers at US airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings.
• The change has been announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
• This policy marks the end of a nearly two-decade longstanding requirement initiated post-9/11.
• The change is expected to enhance the travel experience for passengers across the country.
• It follows a trend of updated security measures at airports in response to evolving threats.

For the first time in almost 20 years, travelers at US airports will no longer be required to take off their shoes during security screenings, as announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a recent press conference. This change, rooted in the attempts to enhance passenger convenience, is set to be implemented at all airports soon, beginning with several including Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Fort Lauderdale International Airport, according to reports from various sources SCMP, ABC News, SFGate, Los Angeles Times, India Times, Channel News Asia, and Africa News.

This significant policy adjustment comes two decades after the original mandate was enforced following the attempted bombing of an American Airlines flight by Richard Reid, known as the "shoe bomber," in December 2001. Noem highlighted that, “In those 20 years since that policy was put in place, our security technology has changed dramatically,” emphasizing an improved security posture while catering to passenger needs Channel News Asia and Los Angeles Times.

The new policy enables travelers to keep their footwear on through regular security screenings but maintains existing security protocols such as identity verification and luggage checks. Previously, passengers aged 12 to 75 were mandated to remove their shoes during screenings. Those participating in the TSA PreCheck program, which allows expedited clearance, have already benefited from being exempt from this requirement ABC News, SFGate, and India Times.

Agency officials indicated that while the requirement to remove shoes is being lifted, there may be circumstances where additional screening is needed. The TSA is exploring "next-generation passenger screening technology," aimed at further enhancing the security process Los Angeles Times and ABC News.