For nearly two decades, the dreaded shoe removal has been one of the most annoying rituals at US airport security. But that’s about to change.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has quietly begun letting travellers keep some footwear on during security screenings, a welcome step toward easing one of air travel's hassles.
Since 2006, passengers have been required to remove their shoes as a security measure introduced after a failed shoe bomb attempt on an American Airlines flight. The rule was later eased exclusively for TSA PreCheck members, who pay for expedited screening that allows them to keep their footwear on.
Now, according to insider reports, the TSA is rolling out a relaxed policy for all travellers nationwide. Although the agency has yet to make an official announcement, this “soft launch” is already underway at airports including LaGuardia and Baltimore/Washington International.
“Travellers should feel relieved knowing technology now allows officers to detect threats while shoes remain on,” former TSA officer Caleb Harmon-Marshall told the New York Times. He also noted the shift could speed up security lines and reduce one of the most frequent passenger complaints.
In Canada, the policy has long been more relaxed. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has allowed passengers to keep their shoes on during security screenings for years, except of course when travelling to the US.
The TSA update is significant. It means smoother airport experiences for clients who disliked the shoe removal step, especially families, seniors, and business travellers rushing through checkpoints.
However, it also signals a potential change in the value proposition of TSA PreCheck, which has relied on perks like shoe-on screening to justify its fee.
Hydration Hack
Advisors can also offer other helpful tips to ease airport hassles for clients. One timely tip amid the summer heat: how to bring a full bottle of water through security. The hack? Freeze it before you fly.
While not a new policy, it's a handy tip that often flies under the radar. “Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening,” a TSA spokesperson told CNN.
If the bottle has started to melt or turn slushy, however, it must follow the standard 3-1-1 liquids rule, meaning containers under 100 millilitres that fit in a quart-sized bag. So it’s worth advising clients to drink any partially melted water before reaching the security bin.
NOTE: Even the 100ml liquid rule could soon see an end as two UK airports have lifted the requirement. Passengers departing from Birmingham and Edinburgh will be able to keep liquids in their bags when going through security, and those liquid containers can now be up to two litres each.
