U.S. Travel President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the announcement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem:

“The days of removing your shoes at airport security checkpoints are finally behind us—and that’s a win for all travelers.  

We commend Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem for taking decisive action to end this outdated policy. Ensuring that security policies are re-evaluated and appropriately updated based on risk, effectiveness and the travel experience is the type of leadership Americans expect. Thanks to cutting-edge screening technology and strong decision-making, all travelers will now experience a more secure, seamless and efficient process at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. Keeping shoes on will reduce wait times and streamline air travel for all Americans.

U.S. Travel has long advocated for deploying innovative technology and modern screening procedures to improve the travel experience for the nearly 3 million travelers passing through our airports every day. In February, the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel recommended the biggest aviation security upgrade since TSA PreCheck that would enable all travelers to keep shoes, jackets and belts on, leave electronics and IDs in bags and carry larger liquids. We urge Congress to build on the Trump Administration’s progress by increasing funding for screening technology to transform the aviation security experience and usher in a Golden Age of Travel.  

With the world soon arriving on our doorstep for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250, and the 2028 Olympics, today’s announcement sends a clear message: the U.S. is ready to deliver a seamless, modern travel experience.”