Travelers flying out of MSP Airport can expect to keep their shoes on while going through security — no PreCheck required.
The big picture: The change, announced on Tuesday, marks the first time in close to two decades that general passengers can skip the footwear removal rule.
State of play: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that the new policy is taking effect at airports across the nation immediately.
- Metropolitan Airports Commission chair Rick King confirmed to the Star Tribune earlier that day that the airport had been notified of the change.
Between the lines: While there may be some cases where passengers are still asked to remove their shoes for added layers of screening, Noem said that people will “overwhelmingly” be allowed to pass through with them on.
Flashback: Three months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, passenger Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his sneakers on an American Airlines flight. Five years later in 2006, TSA officials implemented the shoes-off policy, citing “a continuing threat.”
- Reid’s fellow passengers thwarted his plan, and the plane landed safely in Boston.
What we’re watching: Whether the change shaves some time off security lines.
- Wait times for the general security lines usually take less than 27 minutes on average, according to a 2024 study.
Flyers with TSA Pre-Check, who have been able to keep their shoes on since 2006, have an average wait time of less than 10 minutes.
