Travelers can keep shoes on through security checks now, at the Cape Girardeau Airport

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Travelers passing through the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport no longer have to remove their shoes at security, as long as they don’t set off an alarm or not possess a REAL ID.

“So what it is, is you’re only required to take your shoes off if you alarm the system. Otherwise, you do not,” said Jo Jo Stuart, airport manager at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. “If you don’t have a REAL ID, then you’re still going to take your shoes off and go through the extra security measures.”

Stuart said the changed process is part of a bigger effort to make the screening process quicker and more comfortable for passengers.

“They feel comfortable now that the system can pick up anything it needs to,” Stuart said. “It’ll speed things up a little bit. You won’t have five people in front of you all taking their shoes off and putting them in the container.”

Stuart says travelers are enjoying the change.

“I’ve had a few phone calls from people just making sure they heard it right, that they don’t have to plan for it,” he said. “Some people wear slip-on shoes just for that, but now they can wear their regular sneakers or boots without worrying about the hassle.”

He encouraged travelers to make sure they have a REAL ID to avoid additional screening steps during their future travel plans.

“That’s important,” Stuart says. “The window will definitely close next May. They extended it for one year, but obviously without it, you’ll have more screening and wanding. If you have your REAL ID, it just makes the process a lot smoother.”

Travelers in the area have shown their support for the changes on our NOW Local News App. Excited for quicker lines through airport security.