DIA One Of The First To Implement New Child Security Policy
DENVER (CBS4) - There's a new airport security policy going into place and it involves children.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced to Congress Tuesday that children 12 years old and younger will no longer be required to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints.
Denver International Airport is one of the first airports where the change will take place. DIA was one of six airports around the country that were part of a pilot program over the summer to test out the new restrictions. For parents it means a smoother trip through airport security.
She's only 5 years old, but world traveler Marissa Dier knows first-hand the rules of flying the skies.
"We usually have to take our shoes off through security in California and Germany," Marissa said.
Marissa's mother Cindy Dier knows the challenges that come with it.
"Unloading is not as bad as getting everything back on; the jackets and the backpacks and the shoes and everything," Cindy said.
"We have been piloting also programs to deal with children under the age of 12. With respect to not only taking off their shoes but also pat-down procedures," Napolitano said.
The new policy also means no more pat-downs for children. Instead they'll make another trip through a metal detector or scanner. Its news that's a relief to parents everywhere.
"That's great, that helps move the process along a little faster, get through security faster, and it helps especially when you have little ones," parent Bill Fox said.
Napolitano says there might be some exceptions because terrorists have plotted to use children as suicide bombers. Some children might still be asked to take off their shoes to keep security random.
