MIAMI – Travelers passing through Miami International Airport are adjusting to a new Transportation Security Administration policy that allows U.S. flyers without TSA PreCheck to keep their shoes on during security screening.
The change, which went into effect this week, marks a significant shift in airport security protocol nearly 20 years after the no-shoe rule was introduced in the aftermath of a failed shoe bombing attempt.
“I’ll keep my shoes on,” said traveler Robyn Pierre-Antoine. “It didn’t really mind-boggle me. I just said, ‘OK, one less step.’”
The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says updated screening technology and stricter identification standards — including REAL ID requirements — have made the previous policy less necessary.
Noem said the move is aimed at improving efficiency, particularly ahead of major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Some passengers say the change is a step toward consistency in an often-confusing system.
“I travel quite a bit. Some airports you have to take your electronics out, some not,” said traveler Stacy Seaborn. “I feel like consistency is always good and not to confuse the public.”
Seaborn also welcomed the convenience of the new rule, especially for families. “It speeds up the line, and obviously, when you have littles coming with you, it just makes the whole process easier,” she said.
Still, not everyone is convinced the previous policy was a burden.
“I never had a problem with it,” said frequent flyer Ted Dorsey. “I book flights all the time, and me taking off my shoes… both of my socks match, so it doesn’t matter.”
While MIA travelers appear largely supportive, TSA officials say they will continue to monitor the impact of the change and adjust procedures as needed to maintain safety and efficiency.