Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has announced that TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes at airport checkpoints. This ends a long-standing rule that was designed to prevent security lapses such as the failed “shoe bomber” in 2001. That incident related to a flight from Paris to Miami in which Islamic terrorist Richard Colvin Reid attempted to set off a bomb in his shoes, unsuccessfully. Technology has advanced to the point where such a device, among others, can be detected without someone needing to remove their shoes.
Many passengers applaud the rule change, saying that it will make their travel experience simpler and a bit more sanitary as airport floors are notoriously filthy. Some say this removes value from TSA PreCheck, which allowed people to keep their shoes on through checkpoints. PreCheck, however, also allows passengers to keep their belt on and keep electronic items and liquids (up to 3.5 ounces) inside of their bags. The cost for TSA PreCheck is $78 for a five-year membership which is often reimbursed by credit card company loyalty programs.
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