What’s New at CLT – Keep Your Shoes On

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes during the standard screening process, ending a nearly two-decade-old policy at all domestic airports.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem officially announced the change on July 8, 2025.

“Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards,” said Secretary Noem.

TSA Ends Footwear Removal Policy

Previously, travelers were required to remove their shoes s at security checks unless they had TSA PreCheck. The agency says ending the “Shoes-Off” policy will simplify passenger screening, increase traveler satisfaction, and reduce wait times. (Be aware that there still might be times when a TSA agent asks a passenger to remove shoes.)

TSA will continue a layered security approach, including REAL ID implementation. Since enforcement began on May 7, 2025, airport checkpoints nationwide have seen a 94% compliance rate. (In North Carolina, the compliance rate is 95% of passengers arriving at a checkpoint with either a state-issued REAL ID or an acceptable form of ID, such as a passport.)

Military Fast Track Screening

Changes are also afoot for the military community and families traveling through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and other select airports.

As part of a nationwide campaign, TSA has partnered with CLT to launch a new program called “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease,” which offers expedited access for the U.S. Military at CLT’s TSA PreCheck (at Checkpoint 2). It includes:

• Front-of-the-line TSA screening.

• Active-duty armed forces members, Reserve, National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard and Reserve, Military Service Academy students, DOD employees, the U.S. Coast Guard and Reserve, NOAA, and U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS).

• Service members must show a valid military ID. (Co-travelers can accompany them to the front of the checkpoint.)

“Expanding TSA PreCheck benefits will directly assist the more than 100,000 active-duty service members and their families stationed in our region,” said Gregory Hawko, TSA Federal Security Director for North Carolina. “TSA is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of military families by ensuring their travel is convenient and stress-free.”

TSA PreCheck is free for uniformed service members, spouses get a $25 discount, and Gold Star families can enroll at no charge. Visit TSA.gov for additional details.

Family Lanes Make Travel Easier

Good news for families flying during the busy summer travel season! TSA has launched a new campaign called “Families on the Fly” for those traveling with children 12 and younger at select U.S. Airports.

CLT began offering two dedicated family lanes at Checkpoint 1 on Monday, July 14, 2025.

• Two dedicated family lanes

• Checkpoint 1

• Children 12 and under

New American Airlines "Provisions" Lounge

American Airlines will introduce a new, first-of-its-kind space called the “Provisions by Admirals Club” lounge in late summer 2025. It will be located on Concourse A next to gate A1 at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Airline officials say the Provisions lounge is a new concept that is simple, streamlined and convenient for travelers with limited time during their journey who may want a quick snack. (Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines.)

Hit The Slopes – Limited Winter Service to Vail

And just in time for the holiday ski season: American Airlines is launching new once-a-day nonstop service to Vail, CO (Eagle County Airport – EGE) from December 18, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026.

CLT is the second-largest hub for Dallas-Fort Worth-based American Airlines.