Travellers through US airports will no longer have to take off their shoes for security screening at TSA checkpoints.
The change ends a 20-year policy that followed an attempt to blow up a plane crossing the Atlantic with explosives packed into a shoe in 2001. It was widely adopted around the world and has been inconvenient for many travellers and contributed to long wait times at many airports. US Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem says the TSA expects this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. “Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards,’’ she says.
. . . Locally
In New Zealand, footwear that covers the ankle must be removed for checks, according to current Aviation Security rules. The New Zealand CAA has been asked about any change to that following the relaxation of rules in the US. It notes the US previously required all passengers to remove footwear, and confirms in New Zealand AvSec only requires passengers to remove footwear above the ankle if they are entering the body scanner. This is a security requirement and required by the body scanner provider. The CAA is not currently aware of any change to the service provider’s recommendation around this. At this stage, therefore, the requirement to remove footwear above the ankle in New Zealand remains the same.
