SFO among select airports to adopt new TSA policy on removing shoes at security checkpoint

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Beginning Tuesday, travelers at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will no longer need to remove their shoes at security checkpoints. This change is part of a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policy being implemented at select airports across the country.

The Department of Homeland Security has introduced this policy change, citing technological advancements and a multi-layered security approach as the reasons behind the decision.

The new policy aims to streamline wait times while maintaining passenger safety.

“All my life I’ve had to… and if it’s just as safe I see no issue, let us keep our shoes on,” said Amaal Dui, a traveler at SFO.

“I don’t love the floor, I don’t know how much they get cleaned. I’m also wearing sandals right now so bare dogs on the floor isn’t ideal!” said Shaun Minniti, another traveler at SFO.

SFO is among several airports selected to lead this new airport experience, which aligns with practices already in place in some countries. Travelers like Louise Amahit, visiting from Australia, noted that the change saves time, especially when wearing shoes with laces.

Reem Sharif, another traveler, expressed relief at the change, highlighting the convenience of not having to remove shoes while managing carry-ons and children.

Despite the change at SFO, other Bay Area airports such as San Jose and Oakland continue to enforce shoe removal at security checkpoints.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before being published.