Travelers no longer need to take their shoes off at Denver International Airport.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officially axed the need to remove shoes while passengers go through airport security screenings starting on July 6.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi 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.”
Noem noted that advances in security technology have made the policy possible, while citing security as the administration’s biggest concern.
The shoes-off mandate went nationwide in 2006, five years after Richard Reid flew from Paris to Miami with homemade bombs hidden in his shoes. Ultimately, he failed to detonate his bomb and was subdued by other passengers. He was sentenced to life in prison.
While some airports are acting as test cities, the policy officially went into effect on July 6 at DIA, a spokesperson for the airport told The Denver Gazette.
“DEN applauds TSA’s efforts to improve efficiency and create a better experience for travelers while maintaining the highest levels of safety and security through new screening technology,” the spokesperson said.
The airport said the policy, along with “cutting-edge technologies,” should make times to get through security checkpoints quicker, especially with the new eastside checkpoint set to open next month.
The efficiency and new technology should actually enhance security, the spokesperson said, adding, “Safety is paramount to our operation. An unwavering commitment to safety is shared by DEN and our partners. We are confident in the overall commitment to maintain a safe environment for the traveling public.”
Fliers will still have to prove identification before entering the security checkpoint.
The new policy follows a string of changes that officials hope would make flying easier.
The “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program, for example, provides special benefits to uniformed service members and their families. Some airports established it on July 2.
