Major change at U.S. airports will impact Canadian travellers

A big change at U.S. airports will impact Canadian travellers.

A security measure in place for nearly 20 years is ending.

Effective immediately, passengers travelling through airports in the U.S. can keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Big change coming for Canadians visiting the United States

Previously, passengers between the ages of 12 and 75 were required to remove their shoes, which were scanned along with carry-on bags and other separated items such as outerwear.

Noem indicated technological advances have led to the change in policy.

“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,” Noem said.

However, Noem told reporters some travellers still may be asked to take off their footwear if additional layers of screening are necessary.

Shoe removal at security checks came into effect after the so-called “Shoe Bomber”, Richard Colvin Reid, attempted to detonate explosives on board an American Airlines flight between Paris and Miami on Dec. 22, 2001. Reid had packed explosives in his shoes but passengers subdued him and the plane landed in Boston.

The new policy will benefit travellers, particularly those making quick connections, Noem indicated.

“We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience,” she said.

Other aspects of TSA’s layered security approach will still apply, she added, including providing clear identity verification, secure flight vetting, and other processes.

The new policy comes as U.S. President Donald Trump makes several changes impacting travellers. Expedited access lanes are now open for uniformed service members and their families at select U.S. airports. In May, TSA began implementation of REAL ID at airport checkpoints. There is also an increase to fees for foreign tourists visiting the country’s national parks.

In Canada, travellers generally don’t need to remove shoes at airport security. However, authorities can initiate random or additional security measures at times.

Lead photo: Matthew Turner