After nearly two decades of the now infamous shoe removal policy at airport security checkpoints, travelers across the United States are finally getting a reprieve. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is rolling out new procedures that will allow passengers to keep their shoes on while passing through standard security screening lanes at many major airports nationwide. This significant shift marks the first major change in this policy since its implementation in 2006.
The shoe removal rule was originally introduced as a direct response to the December 2001 attempted bombing by Richard Reid, infamously dubbed the "shoe bomber." Reid tried to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes aboard an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami. Fortunately, the explosives failed to ignite, and passengers and crew subdued him, preventing a potential disaster. Following this incident, the TSA began requiring all passengers to remove their shoes during security checks to better detect hidden threats.
For years, the only exception to this rule was for travelers enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program, who paid roughly $80 for expedited screening privileges, including the ability to keep their shoes on. Now, however, the TSA is extending this convenience to all passengers in the general security lines, starting with a phased rollout at select airports.
Sources familiar with the change confirmed that the new policy began to take effect on July 6, 2025. An internal memo, unexpectedly distributed to TSA officers nationwide, outlined that passengers will no longer need to remove their shoes in all screening lanes at many airports. This rollout is already underway at airports including Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Portland International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina. Additionally, CBS News correspondents reported that travelers at Los Angeles International Airport and New York City's LaGuardia Airport were already passing through security without removing their shoes.
Despite the easing of this policy, passengers who trigger alarms at scanners or magnetometers will still be required to remove their shoes for additional screening. This caveat ensures that security remains stringent even as the TSA adapts to new technologies and procedures.
The TSA and the Department of Homeland Security have acknowledged the change but have not issued an official public announcement. A TSA spokesman told CBS News, "The agency and the Department of Homeland Security are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture." They added that any official updates to security processes will be communicated through proper channels.
The change was first reported by Gate Access, a travel newsletter authored by Caleb Harmon-Marshall, a former TSA officer. Harmon-Marshall noted that he witnessed a soft launch of the new policy at an airport and saw an internal memo briefing officers about the update. He praised the development, saying, "The new policy is good for passengers and is long overdue, allowing officers to screen travelers more swiftly." Harmon-Marshall emphasized that advances in screening technology now enable TSA officers to detect threats without requiring shoe removal, stating, "They should feel relieved knowing that technology has advanced so significantly that TSA officers can detect threats while wearing shoes. In the old days, this wasn’t the case."
Harmon-Marshall also highlighted the implications for the TSA PreCheck program. Since PreCheck travelers have enjoyed the perk of keeping their shoes on for years, extending this benefit to all travelers could diminish the unique value of PreCheck. He remarked, "The TSA knows that allowing standard travelers access to perks like keeping on their shoes will significantly diminish the value of PreCheck." This shift may prompt the agency to reconsider other aspects of expedited screening programs.
For travelers, this policy change promises a smoother, less stressful security experience. Removing shoes has long been one of the most disliked parts of airport security, often causing delays and discomfort, especially for those wearing complicated footwear. Now, with the phased rollout expanding to more airports, the TSA aims to speed up lines and improve the overall passenger journey while maintaining rigorous security standards.
It’s worth noting that this policy update comes amid ongoing efforts by the TSA to modernize its screening procedures. The agency has been searching for innovative ways to enhance security effectiveness while reducing passenger inconvenience. The shoe removal requirement, a staple since the mid-2000s, has been a visible symbol of the tension between safety and convenience in air travel.
As the TSA continues to implement this new policy across airports nationwide, travelers can expect a gradual but welcome change in their preflight routine. While the agency remains vigilant in detecting threats, passengers can look forward to a future where the hassle of shoe removal at security checkpoints becomes a thing of the past.
