Latest news with #REALID
Indianapolis Star
4 days ago
- Indianapolis Star
Keep your shoes on at IND: TSA ends shoe removal policy at airports nationwide
If you're traveling through Indianapolis International Airport, you'll now be able to enjoy a perk previously reserved for young kids, the elderly and those with Trusted Travelers status: keeping on your shoes. Beginning immediately, passengers at airports across the country will not have to take off their shoes at Transportation of Security Administration screening checkpoints. Ending the decades-long airport requirement will lead to faster security lines with less hassle, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said July 8. The new rule — a privilege that TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry members already enjoy — does not mean passengers won't at times be pulled for additional screening, where they will still be required to take off their shoes for security, Noem said. For instance, passengers that do not have a government-required REAL ID to fly will not explicitly be excluded from the no-shoes-off policy but they will undergo additional screening. Noem said the Department of Homeland Security looked through all of its security procedures to find ways to streamline the screening process and improve the travel experience while keeping people safe. Advanced technology paved the way to forego shoe removal, which she said is not as effective of a tool as it once was. 'Everything the TSA does and requires of travelers has always been necessary, but they have advanced over the years,' Noem said. 'We have made advancements in how we screen individuals.' 53 routes, 10 million passengers: How the IND airport hits records, captures the hearts of travelers Travelers were first required to take off their shoes in 2006 after a failed bomb attempt five years earlier where a man concealed a bomb in his shoe. The bomb failed to detonate on the flight and passengers and crew held him down until the plane landed safely.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Travel news: TSA ends shoes-off policy at RSW in Fort Myers, all U.S. airport checkpoints
More than 11,000,000 travelers passed through Southwest Florida International Airport in 2024, a new record for that statistic. According to TSA security measures, all of them were required a checkpoints. Not anymore. Shoes off has gone to shoes on. As of July 8 you will no longer have to take your shoes off at RSW or any U.S. airport security checkpoints. 'TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoint," said Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Here's what you should know. Noem announced July 8 that a new policy which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. The new policy allowing travelers to keep their shoes on is effective immediately, the TSA said. "The new policy will increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times," the TSA announced on its website. "Ending the 'Shoes-Off' policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation's airports," Noem said. "We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience." "As always, security remains our top priority," Noem said. "Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards." "Other aspects of TSA's layered security approach will still apply during the TSA checkpoint process," the TSA said. "Passengers must still clear identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other processes." The shoe removal policy was put into place in 2006 in response to a December 2001 attempt by an airline passenger to conceal a bomb in his shoe. Since then most passengers had to remove their shoes as part of the standard security screening. There were a few exceptions: You're 75 or older Children appearing to be 12 years old or younger Enrolled in trusted traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck However, if the alarm goes off during the security screening, "you may be required to remove your shoes for further screening or undergo a pat-down," the TSA said. On July 2, the TSA announced a program called 'Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease,' which provides special benefits to uniformed service members and their families, including a TSA PreCheck enrollment discount and expedited access lanes at select airports. The program is free for Gold Star families and a $25 discount for military spouses with expedited travel lanes for service members. REAL ID went into effect May 7. The TSA said there's been a 94 percent compliance rate, "which has led to a more efficient security process." A REAL ID is a federally approved, state-issued driver's license or ID that meets security standards enacted by Congress after 9/11. Enter nuclear power plants Board federally regulated commercial aircraft Access federal government facilities or military installations This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Are you still required to move your shoes at the airport?
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
US Homeland Security ends shoes-off policy in airports
NEW YORK —The US Department of Homeland Security has officially ended the "Shoes-Off" policy that was implemented after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the policy aims to improve the travel experience and reduce wait times at security checkpoints. 'Ending the 'Shoes-Off' policy is the latest step by the Department of Homeland Security to modernize and enhance the travel experience at airports nationwide,' she said. New technologies and a multi-layered security approach will be implemented to ensure the safety of all airports in the United States. 'We expect this will help speed up the process at TSA checkpoints, resulting in a smoother and more efficient travel experience. As always, security remains our top priority. With advanced technology and a multi-layered security system, we are confident this change can be implemented while maintaining the highest safety standards. This is one of many initiatives being advanced by the Trump administration to realize the President's vision for a New Golden Age of Travel in America,' said Noem. Although shoe removal is no longer required, other parts of the TSA security process will remain in place, such as identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other essential steps. The end of the 'Shoes-Off' policy is part of a broader series of changes implemented by DHS under the Trump administration. On July 2, the TSA launched the 'Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease' program, offering benefits to uniformed service members and their families—including discounts on TSA PreCheck enrollment and access to expedited lanes at select airports. In May, TSA also began enforcing the REAL ID requirement at airport checkpoints, achieving a 94 percent compliance rate—significantly contributing to a faster and more secure screening process.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
Miami Herald
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
‘Historic day for Kendall': New office aims to end lines for driver's licenses and IDs
A new office opened Monday in Kendall with the promise of delivering faster, more efficient service to residents seeking driver's licenses, state-issued IDs compliant with REAL ID requirements, and other essential transactions. The new location offers both walk-in service and the option to schedule appointments online, according to Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernández, who announced the opening on social media. Fernández called it a 'historic day for Kendall' expressing gratitude to his team for their dedication and to state officials for supporting the transition. DMV office changes hands As of this week, the Kendall office previously run by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is now part of the network managed by the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector. This important transition brings faster service, shorter lines, and a better experience for everyone,' Fernández said. Residents can now make appointments online or walk in by visiting The office remains at its longtime location: 11735 SW 147th Ave., Miami, FL 33196. With this shift, the Kendall branch joins other offices operated by the Tax Collector, including locations in Florida City, Midway Crossings, Miami Central, and Downtown Miami. 'At this new location, we'll be providing services like Florida driver licenses, vehicle registrations, property tax payments, and more,' Fernández added. Read more: New relief for international travelers to the U.S. amid Trump-era restrictions A necessary transition? The Tax Collector's office has pledged to improve accessibility and streamline the appointment process in response to widespread complaints about DMV services, including long wait times and reports of illegally resold appointments. As part of its broader plan, the Tax Collector's office announced it will gradually assume control of all nine DMV offices in Miami-Dade over the coming months. The revamped offices will allow residents to handle most driver's license-related procedures, with the exception of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and driving tests, which will remain under state jurisdiction.
Daily Mail
28-06-2025
- Daily Mail
TSA issues important clarification about ID cards
Published: Updated: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been forced to issue a hilarious statement about which ID cards qualify as official identification while traveling. It came after a user on X, formerly known as Twitter , posted a picture of a bright yellow Waffle House customer card with the caption, 'TSA might want REAL ID, but I have the realest ID.' It read 'Matthew Cappucci, Meteorologist,' with an American flag in the right corner. Other comments read: 'This is an outrage. Waffle House trumps TSA all day every day,' and, 'This is your best tweet yet, @TSA.' One X user replied by posting an image of a Blockbuster membership card, writing, 'Will this do?' Cappucci followed up his post by writing: 'One of my greatest life accomplishments is being one of the only 90 people in this world that Waffle House follows.' It comes after the TSA responded to travelers who attempted to use their Costco cards as valid ID at the airport. US travelers are now required to have a federally approved REAL ID or passport to board a domestic flight , with a standard driver's license no longer cutting it. Still, some hopeful vacationers believed their trusty Costco membership cards would be their golden ticket through security. The TSA made it clear in a Facebook post this week that the membership card cannot act as a substitute.
