Kristi Noem announces the end of the shoe removal policy at airport security checkpoints

In an announcement on Tuesday, Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), reported that travelers will no longer be required to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints.

The new policy, which takes effect immediately nationwide, marks the end of a measure implemented since 2006 following an attempted bombing in 2001, when a passenger tried to conceal a bomb in his shoe.

During a press conference, Noem expressed, "the Golden Age of America is here," and explained that "TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoint." However, she clarified that some passengers may be selected for additional screening, in which case they may be asked to remove their shoes.

“Everything the TSA does and requires of travelers has always been necessary, but they have advanced over the years. We have made advancements in how we screen individuals,”  Noem said.

Noem stressed that the decision to eliminate this requirement is based on a thorough evaluation of airport security equipment. “We’ve evaluated the equipment that every airport has and are fully confident with the no shoes policy that we still have the security needs in place at every checkpoint," she assured.

For its part, DHS also announced and celebrated the move on its X account, noting:

"STARS, STRIPES, AND SHOES ON! Under the leadership of @Sec_Noem, DHS is announcing a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on through security screening at TSA checkpoints. This policy change will drastically decrease passenger wait times, improve passenger experience, while maintaining the highest standards of security."