SOME travelers are baffled by what appears to be a sudden change in airport security rules, claiming TSA agents told them to keep their shoes on.
Flyers across US airports have posted online saying they were surprised when agents instructed them to skip the usual shoe removal at checkpoints.
Some US flyers say TSA agents are suddenly telling them to keep their shoes on at security checkpoints[/caption]
A former TSA officer on TikTok claimed the agency is ending shoe removal for all passengers[/caption]
The confusion began over the July 4 holiday weekend, with several Reddit users and TikTokers reporting inconsistent experiences.
“Just went through security. Had to put my shoes back on. Asked when this started, agent said today,” one Reddit user wrote.
Others chimed in saying the rules seem to change without warning, depending on the airport or the officer on duty.
“Sometimes you have to and sometimes you don’t,” one user noted.
“And then they treat you like World’s Biggest Idiot if you guess to do the opposite one they want,” another added.
“The rules are different every time I go through security and they act like it’s my fault for not guessing correctly,” another frustrated flyer wrote.
“It super depends on the airport and the technology,” another added.
They also said some airports don’t require removing liquids or electronics either, while others still do.
“You’d think there would be a national standard for preventing terrorism,” one person wrote.
Others suggested the changes might be intentional.
“They specifically change things up daily. It’s apparently a tactic to stress and confuse potential bad guys,” one Redditor wrote.
Caleb (Harmony) Marshall (@travelwithharmony), a former TSA officer turned travel influencer, sparked more debate after posting a viral TikTok video claiming the security rules had changed.
“TSA is about to announce the end of taking off shoes at the security checkpoint,” Marshall said.
He said starting Monday, both standard and PreCheck passengers will no longer be required to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints.
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule
The Transportation Security Administration regulates the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that flyers can bring through airport security with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The 3-1-1 rule consists of the following:
Each container of liquid has to be 3.4 ounces or less.
All liquids have to fit in one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag.
Finally, passengers can only bring one bag of liquids each.
“It’s all alleged, the WH didn’t say anything, TSA hasn’t said anything,” Marshall said.
The video racked up 100,000 views and more than 7,000 likes.
The claim quickly ignited debate, with people asking whether that change is official, and what it means for the PreCheck program.
“So why am I paying for PreCheck?” one TikTok commenter asked.
“That’s the whole point,” another said.
But others argued it’s not just about footwear.
“No, the purpose of TSA PreCheck is expedited screening… the regular security lines in major cities are very long,” one wrote.
Another pointed out, “Shoes are not the only perk of TSA PreCheck.”
“I’ll still pay to not have to wait in line,” someone else added.
Meanwhile, TSA’s official website does not reflect any new policy for standard passengers.
“As you know, standard screening requires that you remove all items and place them on the X-ray belt for screening,” the agency states.
It adds that PreCheck travelers are typically allowed to keep their shoes, laptops, and liquids inside their bags.
TSA also recommends avoiding footwear with metal parts to minimize delays during screening.
Tennis shoes and slip-ons are considered safest for both standard and PreCheck passengers.
Travelers report wildly different rules depending on the airport, leading many to question the point of PreCheck (stock image)[/caption]
