In the future, most passengers will not have to take off their shoes at security checkpoints at airports in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced in a press release on the 8th that it will immediately implement a new policy that will allow travelers using U.S. airports to undergo security checks by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) while wearing shoes.
Homeland Security Secretary Christynom explained at a press conference that the TSA’s pilot operation confirmed that aviation security is sufficiently secured even when passengers are wearing shoes. “As always, security is our highest priority,” he said. “The state-of-the-art equipment and multi-layered security measures allow us to simplify the process while maintaining the highest level of safety standards.”
However, Minister Nome added, “If the TSA deems it necessary, certain passengers can still be asked to take off their shoes.”
The Department of Homeland Security expects the move to increase passenger convenience, simplify search procedures, and reduce waiting times.
Since August 2006, the United States has required passengers to remove their shoes from security checkpoints. This was triggered by a December 2001 incident in which British national Richard Reid, known as the “shoe bomber,” was suppressed while trying to light an explosive hidden in his shoes on an aircraft bound for Miami, France.
Meanwhile, even before the implementation of this policy, the U.S. had allowed subscribers to “TSA Pre-Check,” a paid program, to pass through the checkpoint without removing their laptops from their bags while wearing shoes, belts, and coats.
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
