Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is one of six airports that will phase out the long-standing requirement of travelers removing their shoes at security checkpoints by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), according to multiple news outlets.
The relaxation of the footwear rules will likely expand nationwide in the future, according to multiple news outlets. The TSA did not announce the move formally but said in a press release that it is “exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”
Palm Beach International and Miami International airports are not on the list and Fort Lauderdale is the only Florida airport among the six. The other five airports are:
The security of removing shoes started in 2006 after a man tried and failed to ignite a homemade shoe explosive device on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001. Richard Reid failed to light a fuse attached to his shoes, which contained approximately 10 ounces of explosive material, according to the FBI.
Travelers over age 75, children appearing to be younger than 13 years old, and passengers enrolled in programs like TSA PreCheck and Clear can already keep their shoes on.
Many Palm Beach County residents use Fort Lauderdale Airport
Fort Lauderdale Airport has more than 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations and many options are cheaper and more direct than those flying out of Palm Beach International Airport.
The airport is a base for Allegiant Air, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines and is the primary South Florida airport for Southwest Airlines.
Fort Lauderdale Airport operates four terminals with 67 gates, with another terminal under construction expected to be completed by 2026.
USA Today contributed to this report.
James Coleman is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at jcoleman@pbpost.com and follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @JimColeman11. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: TSA ending passenger shoe removal policy at Fort Lauderdale, five other U.S. airports
Reporting by James Coleman, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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