TSA Ends Shoes-Off Requirement at Airport Security Checkpoints
ID 268880614 | Airport Security © Jim Lambert | Dreamstime.com
In a landmark shift that will likely be met with relief by travelers nationwide, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially ended the requirement to remove shoes at airport security checkpoints. The new policy goes into effect on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and applies to all passengers at all U.S. airports — regardless of whether they’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
This marks one of the most significant changes in TSA screening procedures in the agency’s history, and it arrives at a time when public scrutiny over the TSA’s effectiveness and passenger experience has reached new highs.
What’s Changing with Airport Security?
The TSA’s updated rule now allows all travelers to keep their shoes on when passing through standard screening lanes. Previously, only travelers with TSA PreCheck were consistently exempt from the requirement. In recent years, enforcement of the rule had already become sporadic in some airports and lanes.
There are two notable exceptions:
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Passengers who do not present a REAL ID will still be subject to enhanced screening, which includes shoe removal.
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Those selected for secondary screening may still be required to remove their shoes, at the discretion of TSA officers.
The TSA officially began enforcing REAL ID requirements in May 2025, so this change in shoe screening coincides with broader updates to airport ID policies.
Why the Sudden Shift in Policy?
According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the move is part of a broader initiative to streamline airport operations and improve passenger satisfaction:
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports. We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints… 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.”
An internal DHS memo cited advances in scanning technology and a reassessment of risk as primary reasons for the shift. New-generation scanners now have the ability to detect threats within footwear without requiring physical removal.
That said, it’s hard to ignore the political backdrop. The TSA has been a lightning rod for criticism from both lawmakers and passengers in recent years. Several legislative efforts have even proposed to abolish the TSA altogether, citing inefficiency and lack of effectiveness. This update may be part of a broader strategy to reshape public perception and demonstrate adaptability.
Why Shoes Were Ever a Focus
The TSA’s shoes-off rule was introduced in response to Richard Reid, the so-called “shoe bomber,” who attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a transatlantic flight in 2001. Although the attack was thwarted, it led to a sweeping and long-lasting security change that has now been in place for over two decades.
Interestingly, while the TSA is relaxing its policy on shoes, the agency continues to maintain its liquid restrictions, with a tentative end date for those not expected until 2040, despite similar advancements in scanning technology. The inconsistent pace of modernization raises questions about what drives TSA policy—technology, politics, or both.
Bottom Line
Starting July 8, 2025, the TSA will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes at security, with limited exceptions for REAL ID and secondary screenings. The change is aimed at improving passenger experience and efficiency at airports, and marks a major departure from a rule that’s defined air travel in the post-9/11 era.
While it remains to be seen how this impacts wait times and screening accuracy, it’s certainly a welcome change for most travelers — and one fewer thing to worry about at the checkpoint.
