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Passengers departing from some U.S. airports may soon be able to leave their shoes on at security checkpoints — whether they have TSA PreCheck access or not.
The Transportation Security Administration is beginning to phase out its long-standing policy that required most travelers to remove their shoes for security screening, multiple outlets reported, citing sources briefed on the matter. The change would reportedly begin at a select number of airports.
The TSA has not officially announced the change.
Asked by TPG on Monday, a spokesperson did not confirm — or deny — a shift on the agency’s shoes-off policy is in the works, noting that it’s “always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”
“Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels,” the agency added.
Read more: We went through security at airports across the country on Day 1 of Real ID: What you can expect
The TSA has required most passengers to remove their shoes for screening since August 2006, as a way to better screen for explosives. Concerns about the security threat of passenger footwear largely date back to a 2001 failed terror plot by Richard Reid, later known as the “shoe bomber.”
Travelers who have access to the TSA PreCheck lanes have been able to proceed through security without removing their shoes for years.
This change would represent a major shift for passengers without the fast-track TSA PreCheck access.
In recent years, the TSA has shown an eagerness to relax a handful of its most arduous checkpoint requirements, owing to new screening technology.
At many airports across the country, new high-caliber computed tomography scanners now allow passengers in all screening lanes to leave laptops and liquids inside their bags — a benefit that’s been accompanied by plenty of criticism about those machines’ speed.
Read more: 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
Last year, the TSA’s former administrator told me he hoped passengers would be able to ditch its 3-1-1 liquids policy in the not-too-distant future as more airports receive the higher-powered scanners — though that policy change still appears to be years away.
As for the removal of shoes, we’d recommend awaiting instructions from the officers (or signage) at whatever airport you’re flying out of, barring official guidance from the TSA.
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