Passengers no longer have to take off their shoes during security checks at US airports.

VHO - According to a new policy that took effect on July 8 (US time), passengers at US airports will no longer be required to take off their shoes before going through security.

A belt and pair of shoes are placed in a tray during a security screening of passengers by the Transportation Security Administration at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ann Johansson, File)

Passengers arriving at US airports will no longer be required to take off their shoes during security checks, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on July 8.

The end of shoe-removal rules at US airport security gates has taken effect immediately across the country.

The pilot program recognizes that the Transportation Security Administration now has the equipment needed to keep airports and planes safe while still allowing people to wear shoes through security.

“I think most Americans would be thrilled not to have to take off their shoes at airport security. It would be a much more streamlined process,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem .

However, Ms. Kristi Noem affirmed that although removing shoes is no longer standard procedure at airport security checkpoints, some travelers are still required to remove their shoes in case we require additional screening.

Travel newsletter Gate Access first reported that the Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ) plans to implement security screening changes soon.

Security checks requiring passengers to remove their shoes became mandatory in 2006 due to airport security concerns and random bombings.

All passengers between the ages of 12 and 75 must remove their shoes, which will then be scanned along with carry-on luggage and other separate items such as outerwear.

Previously, passengers could bypass this requirement if they participated in the TSA PreCheck program, which costs about $80 over five years.

The program allows airline passengers to pass through the screening process without removing shoes, belts or light jackets, and without having to take out their packed laptops and toiletries.

Noem said PreCheck will remain the easier option for now because people going through regular checkpoints still have to place items other than shoes on the conveyor belt for scanning.

Promote simplification of security check procedures at airports

TSA is currently planning to review other rules and procedures aimed at promoting the simplification of airport security screening procedures.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency is testing separate lanes for military personnel and families with young children, and plans to test other changes in the next six to eight months.

In recent years, the federal government has been researching facial recognition technology and implementing Real ID requirements as a way to verify passengers' identities.

The Transportation Security Administration began operations in 2001 when former President George W. Bush signed legislation creating the agency following the shocking terrorist attacks on September 11.

TSA has hired federal agents as replacements for employees of private companies that airlines have used to handle security.

While frequent flyers are used to the hassles of going through airport security, long lines during peak hours and having bags pulled aside to be checked for violations have made the process stressful.

"In the 20 years since the policy was implemented, airport security screening techniques in the US have changed dramatically. TSA has also changed. We now have a multi-layered, comprehensive approach with the participation of the whole government on security issues," said Ms. Noem.

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