No More Shoe Removal at U.S. Airports

TSA Ends 20-Year-Old Shoe Removal Policy at Security Checkpoints

An abstract pastel-colored digital painting symbolizing freedom of travel. The scene includes a blurred airplane silhouette, a soft purple airport security archway, and footsteps leading toward it. A single coral-colored shoe on a moving leg suggests motion, all set against swirling blue, pink, and peach tones.

On July 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially announced that passengers will no longer be required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints in airports across the country. This marks a major shift in post-9/11 aviation security measures and aims to reduce inconvenience for travelers.


What Has Changed?

  • Previous Rule: Since a 2006 attempted shoe bombing incident, all airline passengers were required to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints.
  • New Policy: As of July 2025, passengers at all U.S. airports are allowed to keep their shoes on when passing through security—regardless of PreCheck status.

Where Is This Being Implemented?

While initially rolled out in select airports, the policy is now being expanded nationwide. 

  • Pilot airports included:
  • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG)
  • Philadelphia (PHL)
  • Portland (PDX)
  • Piedmont Triad (GSO – North Carolina)
  • Major hubs like LAX and LaGuardia (LGA) have also begun applying the new rule.


Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes.

If shoes contain metal or trigger scanner alarms, TSA officers may still request removal for further screening.

Temporary exceptions may apply in certain security-sensitive situations.


Why the Change?

  • Advanced scanner technologies are now capable of detecting threats even inside shoes.
  • The goal is to reduce wait times and lower traveler stress.
  • TSA’s layered security system now enables effective risk detection without mandatory shoe removal.


What’s Next?

TSA is reportedly also considering loosening rules for belts, electronics, and liquids. This signals a broader shift toward passenger-friendly airport policies while maintaining security standards.

***

Let us hope these relaxed measures do not inadvertently open the door to future security threats.


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