The Transportation Safety Administration (“TSA”) will not be requiring that passengers take off their shoes anymore while they go through security checkpoints at select airports. NBC News shared that a press release received Monday states the TSA is “exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”
ABC News reported that a memo went out to TSA officers nationwide last week that stated the new policy would start Sunday. The memo notes, however, those who set off an alarm while being screened will then be required to take their shoes off for additional screening.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed the change early Tuesday, retweeting a post which confirmed the information via Department of Homeland Security along the caption: “Big news from @DHSgov! 
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CBS News states that the change will be approached in phases, with the first airports where the no-shoes requirement is expiring include: Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Portland International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport and Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina. However, reporters from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport and Los Angeles International Airport on Monday said that they and other passengers were permitted to keep their shoes on during the screening process in those locations as well.
Shoe removal while being screened began in 2006, five years after Richard Reid unsuccessfully tried to blow up an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami with explosives packed in his shoes. The explosives failed to detonate and Reid was held down by fellow passengers and the flight crew as the plane safely landed in Boston.
However since then, travelers with TSA PreCheck are not required to remove their footwear. In order to have PreCheck, travelers must submit an application and go through a clearance process with the Transportation Security Administration.
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