Karmactive Staff
Air travelers across the United States can now keep their shoes on when going through airport security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration officially ended its shoe removal requirement on Tuesday, marking the end of a policy that has frustrated passengers for nearly two decades.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the immediate change during a press conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The decision affects all airports nationwide and takes effect right away.
“Our security technology has changed dramatically. It’s evolved. TSA has changed,” Noem explained. She emphasized that passengers will still go through multiple layers of screening and identity verification before boarding planes.
The shoe removal rule started in 2006 following a terrorist incident in December 2001. Richard Reid, known as the “shoe bomber,” tried to detonate explosives hidden in his footwear on a flight from Paris to Miami. Passengers helped stop him, and the plane landed safely in Boston. The TSA made shoe removal mandatory five years later after intelligence suggested ongoing threats.
This policy change comes as airport security technology has advanced significantly. New scanners and detection equipment can now identify threats without requiring passengers to remove their shoes. The multi-layered security approach includes identity verification through REAL ID requirements, which shows a 94 percent compliance rate.
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Some travelers may still need to remove their shoes in certain situations. If someone requires additional screening or gets selected for extra security checks, they might be asked to take off their footwear. However, this will be the exception rather than the rule.
TSA PreCheck members have been able to keep their shoes on since the program launched in 2013. This paid service costs around $80 for five years and requires a background check. Children under 12 and adults over 75 were already exempt from shoe removal. Noem said PreCheck still offers value because members don’t have to remove belts, coats, or items like laptops from their bags.
The timing of this change is strategic. The United States is preparing to host major international events including World Cup matches and the 2028 Olympics. These events will bring millions of visitors, making efficient airport processing crucial.
Airlines for America, which represents major air carriers, praised the decision. The trade group said the policy change will help create smoother travel experiences for millions of daily passengers.
Some airports had already started implementing the new policy before the official announcement. Philadelphia International Airport confirmed Tuesday morning that passengers could keep their shoes on. Travelers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport also reported not having to remove footwear earlier in the week.
The change should reduce wait times at security checkpoints. Shoes often cause delays when they get stuck in X-ray machines or when families with children struggle to manage the removal process. TSA expects the streamlined process to move lines faster and improve overall passenger satisfaction.
Noem indicated that other TSA rules are under review. The agency is evaluating requirements for removing belts, coats, and items from bags like laptops and liquids. Over the next six to nine months, TSA plans to pilot new security checkpoint programs at several airports. These trials may allow passengers to go through screening without interacting with officers or removing devices from bags.
The shoe removal policy has been one of the most disliked aspects of airport security. A TSA advertisement from October 2024 featured four people endorsing PreCheck membership specifically because they didn’t have to remove their shoes.
President Trump’s transportation secretary had previously asked the public what would make travel more seamless. The following day, he posted that TSA complaints were the top travel issue, falling under the Department of Homeland Security’s responsibility.
The policy change represents a significant shift in how airport security operates. After nearly 20 years of requiring shoe removal, the TSA is balancing security needs with passenger convenience. The decision reflects confidence in current technology and screening methods to maintain safety while improving the travel experience.
For millions of travelers, this change means one less step in the often stressful airport security process. Whether rushing to catch a flight or traveling with family, passengers can now move through checkpoints more efficiently while maintaining the same level of security protection. Future developments may include facial recognition boarding systems that could further streamline the airport experience.
While this change improves domestic travel, international aviation continues to face challenges. Recent airspace restrictions and regulatory changes in other regions remind us that aviation security remains a complex global issue requiring constant adaptation and innovation.
