Not much about the airport security process is described as “exciting” or tends to fall in the “good news” column… but here are several positive updates straight from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
After Nearly 20 Years, TSA’s Great Shoe Reversal
By now you may have heard the Department of Homeland Security announcement: most travelers will no longer have to remove shoes at TSA security checkpoints.
The “shoes-off rule,” as it is often called, was put in place by the TSA in 2006, five years following the famous “shoe bomber” incident of 2001, when Richard Reid attempted to ignite explosives he hid in his shoe on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami. Almost 25 years ago, screening technology could not detect non-metallic materials that could be threatening, such as explosives.
With advances in technology, specifically the wide-scale adoption of millimeter wave imaging scanners, identification of threats has become much more sophisticated, and the process is becoming more streamlined. All travelers seem to agree lines should move more efficiently, and generally hygiene should improve with fewer bare feet (!).
FDA archive photo
Please note you may still be pulled aside for additional screening, including shoe removal, for any of many reasons, such as:
Being late and nervous.
And no, this does not mean shifty eyes and shaky hands… this is the sweaty palms variety. Several indelicate articles recently circulated using descriptors like “swampy” and “excess moisture.” Dampness increases the density of your clothing as you pass through screening, setting off security sensors. Slow down, take a breath. Those passengers who trigger the alarm at scanners or magnetometers will be required to undergo additional screening.
The Dreaded SSSS Code.
Boarding passes marked with the code, “SSSS,” are automatically pre-selected for “Secondary Security Screening Selection.” Even those with a Trusted Traveler Program, such as Global Entry and TSA Precheck, or a CLEAR access purchase, may also be pulled for additional screening if those four letters appear on the boarding pass.
MORE GOOD NEWS FROM TSA - LIQUIDATION
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has indicated the days may be numbered for limiting liquids in carry-ons. Just when it seems we’ve all finally learned the 3-1-1 rule (liquids limited to 3.4 ounces or less, in a single clear 1-quart bag), this rule could be the next security item to be overturned. The strict guideline was originally created in 2006 after terrorists attempted to detonate liquid explosives on a transatlantic flight. While the almost 20-year-old rule remains in effect today, Noem indicated in recent weeks that current technology is advancing the screening experience to become more traveler-friendly, and this modification may become a reality. Keep an eye on the news to see if one day soon you can travel with a full 4-ounce container of yogurt.
Do you have a question about navigating the airport experience? Ask us! We're the experts.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
“Families on the Fly”
A special lane just for families with children is being added by TSA at the Orlando airport as a pilot program, and additional locations that are popular for families traveling with children will be gradually added.
The “Honor Lane”
Military members in uniform may use the new TSA “Honor Lane” now available at 11 U.S. airports, with plans to grow across the nation.
Sources
Richard Reid's shoes
Sweating Triggers Extra Security Checks
TSA Making Big Changes
TSA Liquid Sizes
Families on the Fly