US drops 20-year-old rule to improve airline experience

For those who have traveled to the US, taking off your shoes at the airport used to be a familiar but annoying part of the process, especially during peak season. Starting this July, passengers at US airports will no longer have to take off their shoes when going through security checkpoints.

Image of the airport scanner system. (Photo: US Transportation Security Administration TSA)

The first airport security overhaul in 20 years

After two decades of application, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced on its website that the Department of Homeland Security has announced a new policy, allowing passengers traveling through domestic airports to wear shoes when going through TSA security checkpoints.

According to the content posted on TSA, through a national press release, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said: “The end of the shoe-off policy is intended to modernize and enhance the passenger experience at airports. Thanks to advanced technological advances and a multi-layered security approach, we are able to make this change while maintaining the highest security standards. This action opens up a vision for a new Golden Age of American travel .”

Information about ending the "take off your shoes" policy during security checks on the website of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The US's move to abolish the "take off your shoes" rule is considered the biggest reform of airport security procedures in more than 20 years, marking a step forward in improving the air travel experience.

This move is considered one of the most significant changes in security procedures at US airports since the September 11 event, helping to reduce pressure on both staff and passengers, especially during peak tourist season.

Starting in July 2025, travelers will no longer be required to remove their shoes when going through scanners on domestic flights. (Photo: US Transportation Security Administration TSA)

According to AJC.com, many major airports such as JFK (New York), LAX (Los Angeles) or ATL (Atlanta) have made security checkpoints more streamlined, saving passengers a few minutes, which is invaluable during peak travel times.

Technology changes the travel experience

TSA’s next-generation CT scanners are capable of creating detailed 3D images, detecting explosives or foreign objects even when hidden in the soles of shoes. Combined with passenger data and an early warning system, the security screening process no longer relies too much on traditional physical manipulation.

The TSA announcement said this is a step towards “a smarter, safer and more comfortable flying experience.” The new policy should help passengers feel less pressure and minimize friction at screening areas.

The new policy should make passengers feel less pressured and reduce friction at screening areas. (Photo: US Transportation Security Administration TSA)

This is also a testament to the trend of aviation security relying on technology instead of inconvenient manual measures. The new generation of 3D CT scanners can detect prohibited items without removing shoes, while integrating passenger identification and flight data.

In Europe, most airports only require shoe removal if they contain metal or are designated by a scanner; Canada is now in sync with the new US policy. With this change, the US is not only “catching up” with the trend of convenient travel, but also creating a push in security thinking, where people and experiences are put on par with risk control requirements.

Nguyen Trung Hieu

Source: https://nhandan.vn/my-bo-quy-dinh-ton-tai-20-nam-giup-nang-cao-trai-nghiem-hang-khong-post894237.html