Overview

• On July 7 the TSA began allowing passengers in standard screening lines to pass through with shoes on at a pilot group of six airports.
• The initial sites are Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Portland International, Philadelphia and Piedmont Triad.
• Previously limited to TSA PreCheck members, the shoe exemption now applies to travelers who hold an approved Real ID and do not require additional screening.
• TSA and DHS have not publicly confirmed the phased rollback but said any official changes will be announced through formal channels.
• Agency memoranda point to enhanced imaging scanners and revised risk assessments as it rescinds the requirement imposed after the 2001 Richard Reid incident.