QUESTIONS are now starting to swirl around the future of an airport security program after federal officials axed the long-standing rule over whether travelers should take their shoes off.
Most travelers had been forced to remove their footwear ever since the rule came into force in 2006.
A long-standing airport security rule has been axed[/caption]
Transportation Security Administration officials had brought in the rule in response to the shoe bomber case – an incident which happened just three months after the 9/11 terror attacks.
However, not all travelers had to remove their shoes before they passed through security.
Americans could take advantage of a speedier security process, known as TSA PreCheck.
One of the perks of PreCheck is that millions face a maximum 10 minute wait while in security.
Travelers who use PreCheck do not have to remove their shoes and belts while at checkpoints.
And, they do not have to take any gadgets out of their bags.
The cost of TSA PreCheck ranges between $76.75 and $85.
One provider, Idemia, offers a five year subscription for $76.75
Loyal travelers then can renew their package for $58.75 online after the five year program expires.
But, now the shoes-off rule has been removed, the future of TSA PreCheck now becomes more uncertain.
Travelers no longer have to fork out more than $75 to avoid having to take their shoes off at airport security.
In 2024, TSA stats revealed that 20 million people had signed up for PreCheck.
This number increased by 33% compared to March 2023.
It’s not yet known how numbers will be impacted by the decision to end the shoes-off rule.
Who was the shoe bomber?
THE rule requiring travelers to remove shoes at airport security checkpoints across the US came into force in 2006. Federal officials took action after Richard Reid tried to detonate his shoes on board on packed American Airlines plane.
In 2001, Reid, who was on the plane heading to Miami, had planted explosives in his footwear.
He tried to detonate the explosives while on board the plane.
But, the crew on board American Airlines Flight 63 and passengers jumped into action and restrained him.
The plane was diverted to Boston Logan airport as a result.
Reid pleaded guilty to eight terror charges and is being holed up in a federal prison.
Kristi Noem, Donald Trump’s Homeland Security chief, revealed the decision will reduce wait times in security lines.
She explained travelers’ experiences at airports will be modernized as a result.
Noem alluded to the events that will be taking place across the US next year.
The US, along with Canada and Mexico, is hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the coming years, America will mark its 250th anniversary celebrations and Los Angeles will be hosting the 2028 Olympic Games.
The shoes off rule has a history that dates back more than two decades.
In 2001, Richard Reid, who was on an American Airlines plane heading to Miami, had planted explosives in his footwear.
He tried to detonate the explosives while on board the plane.
But, the crew on board American Airlines Flight 63 and passengers jumped into action and restrained him.
The plane was diverted to Boston Logan airport as a result.
Reid pleaded guilty to eight terror charges and is being holed up in a federal prison.
TSA offers a speedier form of security clearance known as PreCheck[/caption]
