Airport screening between Canada and U.S. just got a little easier
Canada is working to align with the U.S.’ updated airport policy that no longer requires passengers to take their shoes off at TSA checkpoints.
On Tuesday, July 8, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that passengers travelling through domestic airports no longer have to remove their shoes when passing through security. The move is expected to streamline the security process and lower wait times.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveller experience across our nation’s airports,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.”
Noem said that the updated security policy was made possible due to a “multi-layered security approach” and technological advancements.
In response, Transport Canada said that Canadian airports with U.S. pre-clearance will also no longer require passengers to remove their shoes. Canadian airports with pre-clearance allow travellers to go through U.S. customs and immigration before crossing the border.
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In an email to Daily Hive, Hicham Ayoun, senior communications advisor at Transport Canada, stated that the government will work with the TSA “to ensure requirements are aligned.”
“Transport Canada works closely with TSA with a view to harmonized screening procedures on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border,” he stated. “Accordingly, in keeping with their requirements, U.S.-bound (i.e. transborder) passengers have been required to remove their shoes during screening at Canadian airports with U.S. pre-clearance.”
So if you’re flying to the U.S. from Canada, you no longer need to worry about unlacing your shoes. While the U.S. may have just changed its shoes-off policy, Ayoun noted that it’s “not part of baseline screening for passengers travelling domestically or internationally from Canada.”
Daily Hive has reached out to confirm whether NEXUS travellers were also required to remove their shoes when flying to the U.S.