DES MOINES, Iowa– The Department of Homeland Security recently removed a screening policy it deemed unnecessary after advancements in security systems.

On July 8, Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, announced that airport travelers will no longer have to remove their shoes for TSA screening. The decision came after Homeland Security looked into all security measures and decided that taking off shoes to go through security was no longer necessary due to advancements in screening technology.

The prior policy was in effect since 2006, sparked after the “shoe bomber,” who was a British terrorist, failed his attempt to detonate the shoe bomb device.

Homeland Security has been looking into the effectiveness of all security measures, looking at what they can remove to help streamline the screening process while keeping safety a top priority.

Travelers at the Des Moines International Airport gave their thoughts on the new policy change.

“It’s kind of nice that you don’t have to take your shoes off. Just feels a lot more sanitary and makes the process a little bit quicker when you’re going through,” Kayla Lambert from West Des Moines said.

“I feel like I would rather keep my shoes on then taking them off, because that’s also more comfortable to do,” Neo Francon said, traveling back to Texas.

“We are so excited to not take our shoes off. Yay! Yay, yay, yay! So convenient. I’m happy to have my shoes on right now. And not just gross socks on the floor,” Kim and Mindy Jacoby of Des Moines said before going through screening.

Noem said that Homeland Security is also reviewing all other current policies for their effectiveness, such as removing electronic devices from your bags and restrictions on bringing liquids through security checkpoints.