The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a seismic change to checkpoint requirements for air travelers this week, doing away with its tedious shoes-off policy after nearly two decades.
The change is a welcome one that was long overdue.
The agency attributed the policy change to improvements in screening technology, citing "cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security" at airports nationwide.
U.S. Travel President and CEO Geoff Freeman rightly called the change "a win for all travelers."
Calling the requirement an "outdated policy," Freeman added that "keeping shoes on will reduce wait times and streamline air travel for all Americans."
"We urge Congress to build on the Trump Administration¡¯s progress by increasing funding for screening technology to transform the aviation security experience and usher in a Golden Age of Travel," said Freeman.
A response to the infamous "shoe bomber" incident involving Richard Reid in December 2001, the policy was one of many overreactions following the September 11 terrorist attacks and subsequent foiled plots, such as Reid's failed attempt.
The rollout of TSA PreCheck, allowing vetted travelers¡ªor those willing to pay $80 every five years¡ªto keep their shoes, belts and light jackets on, made the policy feel even sillier.
Being forced to remove your shoes has always felt unnecessary, less about safety and more about control. It generated an avoidable element of humiliation and added anxiety before what's already one of the most stressful experiences for many humans.
Good riddance to the shoes-off policy. Eliminating the archaic rule is the right move, even if it comes far too late. Requirements on liquids and gels are also unlikely to last forever, as agents are equipped with superior technology.
This is all good news for travelers as record numbers take to the skies.
But it begs the question, what other policies have we outgrown?
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
