What a difference a few hours makes.
Hours after rumors began circulating Tuesday, the Transportation Security Administration announced late July 8 you will no longer have to take your shoes off at airport security checkpoints.
“TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoint,” said Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Here’s what you should know.
TSA ends shoes-off policy at airport checkpoints
Noem announced July 8 that a new policy which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints.
When will new TSA shoe policy start?
The new policy allowing travelers to keep their shoes on is effective immediately, the TSA said.
Why did TSA end the shoes-off policy?
“The new policy will increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times,” the TSA announced on its website.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” Noem said.
“We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.”
Will passengers remain safe if everyone can keep their shoes on through screening?
“As always, security remains our top priority,” Noem said.
“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.”
Some things haven’t changed at TSA checkpoints
“Other aspects of TSA’s layered security approach will still apply during the TSA checkpoint process,” the TSA said.
“Passengers must still clear identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other processes.”
When did shoes-off policy start and why?
The shoe removal policy was put into place in 2006 in response to a December 2001 attempt by an airline passenger to conceal a bomb in his shoe.
Since then most passengers had to remove their shoes as part of the standard security screening. There were a few exceptions:
However, if the alarm goes off during the security screening, “you may be required to remove your shoes for further screening or undergo a pat-down,” the TSA said.
Other recent changes implemented by TSA
On July 2, the TSA announced a program called “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease,” which provides special benefits to uniformed service members and their families, including a TSA PreCheck enrollment discount and expedited access lanes at select airports.
The program is free for Gold Star families and a $25 discount for military spouses with expedited travel lanes for service members.
➤ How to enroll for Gold Star families, military spouses
No Florida airports listed for ‘Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease’ benefits
As of July 9, the TSA listed these airports — with none in Florida — have partnered with TSA for the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease,” program:
REAL ID implemented in May with high compliance rate
REAL ID went into effect May 7. The TSA said there’s been a 94 percent compliance rate, “which has led to a more efficient security process.”
A REAL ID is a federally approved, state-issued driver’s license or ID that meets security standards enacted by Congress after 9/11.
A REAL ID-compliant identification or a valid passport or passport card is required for any adult U.S. resident to:
Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
Access federal government facilities or military installations
Enter nuclear power plants
What is PSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck offers enrollees reduced wait times, expedited screening benefits and an improved checkpoint experience at selected airports.
Participants can keep shoes, belts and light jackets on and are not required to remove laptops or 3-1-1 liquids from their carry-on bags.
The application fee for TSA PreCheck is $85, and the membership is valid for five years.
Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA Today
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Shoes on for TSA creates one less step at airport security