Effective immediately, most passengers departing Alexandria International Airport (AEX) can now wear their shoes during the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process.

According to AEX Airport Operations Manager David Keller, “Passengers no longer have to remove their footwear if they do not alarm on the screening. If they alert, further screening may be necessary, to include footwear removal.”

The TSA’s no-shoe policy has been in place since 2006, with a planned reversal announced this week as a means to “enhance passenger experience and our strong security posture,” according to TSA sources. Adoption of the new protocol will be gradual across U.S. airports. Passengers are encouraged to visit www.tsa.gov for more information.