Latest news with #TSA-style
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: TSA gives ‘shoes off' policy the boot
Walking in stocking feet across a grimy airport as you make your way through security was the reality for many travelers for years. And if you happened to show up to security in sandals … well, we shudder to think. But last week, the Transportation Security Administration ditched its 'shoes off' rule. Good riddance. An irritant of modern life has been lifted. That doesn't happen very often. Reducing security wait times — and, frankly, improving hygiene — is a good thing, and we're pleased to hear it. Nobody will miss the sights and smells that accompanied this security protocol. Of course, we understand that post-9/11, everything changed when it came to keeping travelers safe. It was implemented after the attempted 2001 shoe bombing, in which Richard Reid, a British citizen and self-proclaimed follower of al-Qaida, attempted to detonate explosives midflight from Paris to Miami. Some countries introduced similar checks, though few maintained them as long as the U.S. Still, the 'shoes off' policy is a legacy of early 2000s security thinking. The threat of a shoe bomb, while real in the early 2000s, is so low risk as to be negligible. Security agencies have adjusted priorities toward other, more sophisticated threats. Plus, programs like TSA PreCheck already allow vetted travelers to keep shoes on — and they've demonstrated that it's possible to maintain strong security standards without this requirement. We hope that an end to stuffing our footwear into bins for the X-ray machine signals more progress to come in bringing the U.S. closer to how other airports around the globe operate. Modern airport scanners (like advanced CT scanners and millimeter wave scanners) can now detect threats without requiring passengers to remove shoes. These machines provide detailed 3D images and can spot anomalies inside shoes, laptops and even liquids. For the TSA, there are many examples of how to improve processes. The Netherlands uses CT scanners for screenings, allowing passengers to leave laptops and liquids in their bags. They also leverage centralized security checkpoints instead of TSA-style gate-by-gate screening, reducing redundancy and congestion. In the U.K., airports like Heathrow and Manchester are deploying 3D imaging CT scanners, too, eliminating the 100-milliliter liquid limit and need for laptop removal. And in Sweden, airports are adopting biometric gates and remote baggage screening. The TSA is starting to adopt many of these more modern approaches. In 2023, the agency announced it was investing $1.3 billion to roll out more CT scanners at airports, adding that this new technology could reduce wait times by as much as 50%, while also improving threat detection. O'Hare is among the larger airports in the U.S. that have been using advanced CT scanners since at least April 2023, according to Condé Nast Traveler. Increasing adoption of this scanning technology more widely is a good next step for U.S. travel security. We share the TSA's goal of safe travel, and understand that the threat from those who would seek to do harm remains high. Let's keep seeking ways to make the flying experience less miserable while preserving and enhancing security. It's doable. Shoes on, dignity intact, we can now step toward a future of air travel with fewer hassles — preferably through a CT scanner.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Securing the Utah Pride Festival: What's allowed in and what must stay out
SALT LAKE CITY () — Security will be keeping and parade goers safe this weekend, as the Utah Pride Center is handling security through a private security team. 'We coordinate closely with the Salt Lake Police Department, as well as a really robust private security team that is able to ensure the safety of all the guests attending the festival this weekend,' executive director Chad Call said. Security and police will be protecting what they expect to be close to 100,000 people coming through downtown this weekend. 'This weekend is probably going to be one of our busiest weekends,' Salt Lake City Police Department Officer Yaier Javaid said. When it comes to safety, Javaid keeps it simple: if you see something, say something. Missing teenager cases provide unique challenges for law enforcement 'Our officer is going to be out in the community just making sure everyone's safe. At the end of the day, our community members are our eyes and ears,' Javaid said. 'Something suspicious or something concerning, if you see an officer nearby, reach out. If not, then give us a call. We'll come out and check it out, make sure everything's ok, make sure everyone's safe.' Everybody going to the festival will go through a TSA-style security screening with restricted items. Here is a list of what won't make it through: Furniture, chairs, blankets, or tents Coolers Pets of any kind. The Pride Festival welcomes trained service animals. Please be aware that emotional support/comfort animals are not considered service animals at the festival and will not be allowed into The Pride Festival for the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. If you have any questions, please email: Food or Drink. Empty water bottles and empty camel packs are acceptable. Water refill stations will be provided inside the grounds free of charge. Glass containers of any kind. Professional grade cameras (with detachable lenses longer than 2 inches), detachable zoom lenses, and other commercial accessories (monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, GoPro mounts, and other attachments are not allowed). No capture of photo, video, or audio for commercial use. For a press credential, please email: Drones or any other remote flying device. Weapons of any kind: guns, knives, pepper spray, etc. Fireworks or explosives. Drugs or illicit substances. Large signs, banners, or flags. Laser pointers. Markers, Sharpies, chalk, paint pens, or spray paint. Glowsticks. Balloons, balls, frisbees, stuffed animals, dolls, or kites. Poi, fire dancing equipment, hula hoops, or contact staff. E-cig refill juice and extra cartridges. Large chains or spiked jewelry. Hoverboards, skateboards, scooters or segways. *Mobility devices will be allowed. If you have any questions, please email; 'Pride festivals are different, and we adapt and change every year to meet the current safety and threat levels that are evolving, just like our community evolves, we do too,' Call said. Securing the Utah Pride Festival: What's allowed in and what must stay out Former St. George Police Officer charged with alleged child abuse Trump orders probe of Biden mental state, executive actions in office The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua – experience the tropical magic for yourself Al Pastor Glazed Beef Flat Iron Steak Sandwich Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
