Travel news: TSA ends shoes-off policy at RSW in Fort Myers, all U.S. airport checkpoints

More than 11,000,000 travelers passed through Southwest Florida International Airport in 2024, a new record for that statistic.

An airline passenger puts on his shoes after passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security before boarding his flight at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, Feb. 20, 2014.

According to TSA security measures, all of them were required a checkpoints.

Not anymore. Shoes off has gone to shoes on.

As of July 8 you will no longer have to take your shoes off at RSW or any U.S. airport security checkpoints.

“TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoint," said Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Here's what you should know.

TSA ends shoes-off policy at RSW checkpoints

Noem announced July 8 that a new policy which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints.

When will new TSA shoe policy start at RSW?

Why did TSA end the shoes-off policy at RSW, other airports?

"The new policy will increase hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times," the TSA announced on its website.

"Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports," 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."

Will passengers remain safe at RSW if everyone can keep their shoes on through screening?

"As always, security remains our top priority," Noem said.

"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."

Some things haven't changed at RSW's TSA checkpoints

"Other aspects of TSA’s layered security approach will still apply during the TSA checkpoint process," the TSA said.

"Passengers must still clear identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other processes."

When did the TSA shoes-off policy start and why?

The shoe removal policy was put into place in 2006 in response to a December 2001 attempt by an airline passenger to conceal a bomb in his shoe. 

Since then most passengers had to remove their shoes as part of the standard security screening. There were a few exceptions:

• You're 75 or older
• Children appearing to be 12 years old or younger
• Enrolled in trusted traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck

However, if the alarm goes off during the security screening, "you may be required to remove your shoes for further screening or undergo a pat-down," the TSA said.

Other recent changes implemented by TSA at RSW

On July 2, the TSA announced a program called “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease,” which provides special benefits to uniformed service members and their families, including a TSA PreCheck enrollment discount and expedited access lanes at select airports. 

The program is free for Gold Star families and a $25 discount for military spouses with expedited travel lanes for service members.

REAL ID implemented in May with high compliance rate

REAL ID went into effect May 7. The TSA said there's been a 94 percent compliance rate, "which has led to a more efficient security process."

A REAL ID is a federally approved, state-issued driver's license or ID that meets security standards enacted by Congress after 9/11. 

A REAL ID-compliant identification or a valid passport or passport card is required for any adult U.S. resident to:

Enter nuclear power plants

Board federally regulated commercial aircraft

Access federal government facilities or military installations

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Travel news: TSA ends shoes-off policy at RSW in Fort Myers, all U.S. airport checkpoints