Shoes on, pockets empty: What has and hasn't changed at TSA checkpoints

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4 days ago

Most airline passengers in the U.S. no longer need to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints.
The policy change was announced by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a press conference on Tuesday evening, and she stated that the change would take effect immediately. The Transportation Security Administration, which operates departure security checkpoints at U.S. airports, is part of DHS.
Still, Noem said, some passengers could be required to remove their shoes if they're flagged for additional screening, and the TSA continues to require other actions at security checkpoints, often including removing liquids and electronics from carry-on bags.
The major announcement from Noem's press conference was the change to the shoe removal policy. Most airline passengers in the U.S. have been required to remove their shoes since 2006, when the TSA implemented a rule in response to a passenger who attempted to conceal an explosive in his shoe in 2001.
Since then, trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck, along with some other exceptions, have allowed some passengers to keep their shoes on when going through airport security, but Noem said that's now the default position for all travelers.
Still, she warned, passengers need to listen to TSA officers and may still be required to remove their shoes sometimes.
'That doesn't mean there won't be times where someone will have to remove their shoes," for additional screening or other requirements, Noem said at the press conference Tuesday.
While the new shoes-on policy is likely to be welcome by many travelers, it doesn't change everything about TSA. Travelers may still be required to remove belts and jewelry from their person and to remove liquids or electronics from their bags, depending on their Trusted Traveler status and the specific screening technology in place at the checkpoint they're passing through.
Passengers will also still be required to empty their pockets before going through screening machines.
Travelers may also experience additional screening if they are flagged at the primary security checkpoint.
'We are very confident that we can continue to provide hospitality to folks … while maintaining the same standard of security for passengers and our homeland," Noem said.
Noem also teased that more upgrades are likely to come to TSA checkpoints as technology continues to improve.
'We're just getting started, we've implemented several transformational changes," Noem said. "We've gone back and looked at our security processes, looked at the efficacy of everything we do.'
While one of the biggest benefits of TSA PreCheck was the ability for travelers to leave their shoes on, the new policy doesn't completely wipe out the perks of enrolling in the program. In many airports, TSA PreCheck members have access to shorter security lines. In addition, verified trusted travelers are able to leave compliant liquids and electronics in their bags, which are usually required to be removed in traditional screening lines.
The TSA has an FAQ about the continuing benefits and other information about the program.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know about TSA screening with the new shoes-on policy