Airlines for America has expressed approval of Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to reevaluate the shoe screening requirement, describing the review as a positive step toward enhancing passenger travel security and efficiency.
According to Airlines for America, the organization has long supported initiatives aimed at improving airport security procedures for travelers across the nation. The reexamination of the shoe screening requirement addresses persistent passenger concerns regarding convenience and efficiency at security checkpoints. The Hill reports that both travelers and industry groups have advocated for risk-based security policies that maintain safety while streamlining the airport experience.
In its public statement, Airlines for America states that the policy change will "go a long way in facilitating smooth, seamless and secure travel for passengers." The organization highlights that millions of passengers pass through U.S. airports daily, and removing the shoe screening requirement could help reduce wait times and alleviate travel stress. Reuters notes that on the busiest travel day of 2024, nearly 2.9 million travelers were processed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), illustrating how minor procedural changes can significantly impact overall passenger flow.