TSA helps keep the skies safe by screening around two million passengers daily, but it is not very popular and many people consider going through TSA security lines to be the worst part of the travel process.
The agency has made some moves to change that, though. In fact, it recently got rid of the rule that you have to take off your shoes when going through airport security.
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This was a good change. It had been decades since a rogue bomber tried to bring explosives in his shoes, and yet everyone was still being forced to shuffle through security in socks – which unsurprisingly, most people don’t appreciate.
Technology has advanced to the point where security can check our shoes without us taking them off, so there’s no clear reason why the shoes-off policy would continue anyway.
Related: TSA has a big problem with one type of REAL ID
The TSA is also implementing some other changes, though. Those won’t be as popular as the shift away from shoe removal. In fact, a substantial number of people are pretty mad about a new technology that TSA is implementing, and some lawmakers are actively trying to stop it.
Despite this resistance, TSA is moving forward and putting the sceening practice in place at a growing number of airports. Here’s an explanation of the change, along with some details on why people are not happy with it.
TSA moves forward with controversial airport security change
TSA’s controversial change to the security process is causing concerns among travelers – and lawmakers – because of the privacy issues it raises.
The change involves the implementation of facial recognition tools.
“A traveler may voluntarily agree to use their face to verify their identity during the screening process by presenting their physical identification or passport,” the TSA website about the policy reads.
Related: TSA is stopping passengers for an incredibly embarrassing reason
The facial recognition technology was first unveiled in 2023 as part of a “pilot” program or proof of concept, but the agency has obviously been happy with the process.
More than 250 airports have facial recognition technology already, and TSA is moving forward with putting this technology in more places.
In fact, in early August of 2025, TSA announced it was coming to the East Security Checkpoint located on Level 6 at Denver International Airport.
“This new checkpoint will improve the safety and security of the screening process and provide a more efficient experience for passengers,” TSA’s Federal Security Director for Colorado Douglas Cruz said in a statement.
“With cutting-edge technology and streamlined operations, we’re enhancing the traveler experience while maintaining the highest security standards.”
Why are people upset about facial recognition technology?
TSA’s facial recognition tool aims to make going through airport security faster and easier, as passengers can go more quickly through the identity verification process if they agree to a face scan when providing their passport or other physical ID to a TSA official.
Unfortunately, many people are concerned that this will create privacy issues. And, while passengers do have the option to avoid the scan of their likeness, many people don’t realize that’s the case.
A report from the Algorithmic Justice League revealed that around 74% of people surveyed didn’t know they could opt out – and that you have to specifically request an alternative screening process.
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GOP lawmakers are not happy about the privacy violations or the challenging process for consumers who want to opt out. Some lawmakers on the right have even proposed legislation that would limit the TSA’s ability to use facial recognition technology unless people specifically opt in.
Airlines oppose this bill, and its future is uncertain, but the concerns expressed by lawmakers are very real and represent the opinions of many of their constituents.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen if the legislation will pass and put a stop to the use of this technology.
But as TSA moves forward in implementing the facial scanners in more airports despite the controversy, it’s clear the agency will continue unless it’s forced to stop.
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Make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
