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You Can Now Keep Your Shoes On When Going Through Airport Security—Find Out Which Other Rules Might Be Dropped Next

There’s one thing both frequent fliers and occasional travelers have in common: the dread of having to take off their shoes when going through airport security. Airport floors feel dirty, it’s time-consuming and it can be just plain awkward.

If you’re nodding your head in agreement, you’re in luck. On July 8, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ditched this rule, announcing a new policy that allows passengers to keep their shoes on while going through security at domestic airports. That’s right—after nearly 20 years of having to untie and retie your shoelaces every time you fly, you can finally walk through without having to do any of that. The best part? The new policy goes into effect immediately, so if you have a flight to catch later today, your shoes can stay firmly planted on your feet.

And that’s not the only change you might see at airports across the country. In fact, Homeland Security is currently reviewing a slew of other rules that you’ve probably rolled your eyes at over the years, and they may be on the chopping block too. But as you’re rejoicing, a little bit of worry may also be creeping in. After all, these measures were originally put in place to keep you safe. How will the TSA continue to prioritize passenger safety and ward off potential threats without adhering to them?

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the new TSA change, what rules might be ditched next and what it all means in terms of air safety.

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What are the advantages of this new rule for passengers?

For rushed travelers—or people who really don’t want to take off their shoes at the airport even when they’re not in a rush—it’s a game-changer. Security is often the most time-consuming and unpredictable part of the airport experience, so this will cut down on the time needed to get through the checkpoint. But beyond that, you can say goodbye to shuffling across dirty airport floors in your bare feet or socks, which is unpleasant, at best, and gross, at worst.

“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.”

Of course, if a traveler gets flagged by TSA for further screening, they may still be asked to remove their shoes. However, that won’t be the norm. And, while having your Real ID is recommended, not having one won’t automatically flag you and prompt security officials to ask you to remove your shoes.

What other rules are being reviewed?

The Department of Homeland Security is also reviewing a slew of other current TSA policies that were implemented around the same time as the shoe policy. These include rules that:

  • Require passengers to remove laptops from their carrying cases
  • Restrict the amount of liquids permissible in carry-on luggage (yep, the 3-1-1 rule!)
  • Make passengers remove belts and jackets before going through security

When would these other rules be dropped?

There’s no estimated date just yet. That’s because one thing would have to happen first, according to Noem. “It can only be accomplished if we have the adequate technology to make sure we’re doing this safely,” she said in an official press release.

While eliminating some of these security procedures would make the airport experience faster and easier, it can’t come at the risk of decreased safety. But as screening technology continues to progress, we’ll likely see these rules dropped, either one by one or all at once.

How will the TSA make sure passengers are safe?

Not all the rules are flying out the proverbial window—many of the TSA’s longstanding security protocols will continue to apply at every TSA checkpoint. Travelers will still be required to have their identifies verified (including with the new Real ID), and they will still have to go through body scanners and metal detectors.

A TSA spokesperson previously told Reader’s Digest that those body scanners are indeed “full-body scans,” and as you can see in images of them, that includes a person’s feet. These scanners use a type of tech called Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), which uses millimeter waves to detect both metallic and nonmetallic threats. And a little shoe leather isn’t going to prevent these machines from doing their job. That said, there might be a learning curve at the beginning and a few closer looks at your shoes to make sure the potential threat isn’t actually a threat at all.

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Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

Why Airport Seats Are Bolted to the Floor

Why Airports Have Three Glass Doors

Why Flight Attendants Wear Red Lipstick

The post You Can Now Keep Your Shoes On When Going Through Airport Security—Find Out Which Other Rules Might Be Dropped Next appeared first on Reader's Digest.



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