Sachin Walls
In 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it would no longer require travelers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints in US airports. This change in policy, which took effect immediately, was implemented to enhance the traveler experience and reduce wait times. Previously, only travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck could keep their shoes on. The shoe-removal policy was first introduced in 2006 after a terrorist attack was attempted by British terrorist Richard Reid, who unsuccessfully tried to detonate homemade bombs hidden in his shoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| New Policy | Passengers travelling through domestic airports can keep their shoes on at TSA checkpoints. |
| Old Policy | Passengers were required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints. |
| Implementation | The new policy is nationwide and takes effect immediately. |
| Affected Airports | The policy was already in effect at seven U.S. airports, including New York's LaGuardia Airport. |
| Exceptions | Passengers who trigger alarms at scanners or magnetometers may be asked to remove shoes for additional screening. |
| PreCheck | Previously, only passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck could keep their shoes on. |
| Reason for Change | Improved security technology and a review of screening protocols. |
| Impact | Shorter airport screening lines and an expedited security process for passengers. |
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What You'll Learn
- The 'shoe-removal rule' was implemented in 2006 after a terrorist attack
- The rule change means passengers no longer need to remove shoes at security
- Some travellers may still be flagged for additional screening
- The change is expected to reduce wait times at security checkpoints
- TSA PreCheck benefits will still be available for expedited security
The 'shoe-removal rule' was implemented in 2006 after a terrorist attack
In 2001, a British national named Richard Reid attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes mid-flight on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami. Reid's plan was disrupted when he struggled to light the fuse attached to his shoes, which contained roughly 10 ounces of explosive material. Following the failed bombing attempt, the TSA implemented the shoe-removal rule in 2006, requiring passengers to remove their shoes for screening. This rule has been a significant inconvenience for travellers, who have expressed annoyance at having to remove their shoes during security checks.
The shoe-removal rule was implemented as a security measure to address the threat of explosives being smuggled onto aircraft. According to the TSA, the policy was based on intelligence pointing to a continuing threat of explosive devices. The rule required passengers in standard screening lines to remove their shoes and place them on X-ray belts, along with other items such as laptops, liquids, belts, and outerwear.
Over time, the TSA has periodically reviewed and updated its security protocols, including the shoe-removal policy. In 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the TSA, announced an end to the "shoes-off" policy, allowing passengers at domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security checkpoints. This change was attributed to advancements in screening technology and a multilayered security approach.
While the new policy is expected to increase hospitality and streamline the TSA security process, reducing wait times for travellers, it may not apply to all passengers. TSA officers may still require certain individuals to remove their shoes if additional screening measures are necessary.
The end of the shoe-removal rule marks a significant shift in airport security procedures and is welcomed by travellers and industry groups alike, who anticipate a more efficient and pleasant travel experience.
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The rule change means passengers no longer need to remove shoes at security
In a bid to enhance the passenger experience, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has decided to end the 'shoes-off' rule at airport security checkpoints. The rule change means passengers no longer need to remove their shoes at security.
The 'no-shoes' rule was implemented in 2006 after Richard Reid, also known as the "shoe bomber," attempted to blow up an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami with explosives hidden in his shoes in December 2001. Reid failed to detonate the explosives, and passengers and crew members subdued him. The plane landed safely in Boston.
The shoe-removal policy required passengers to remove and place their shoes on X-ray belts, along with other items such as laptops, liquids, belts, and outerwear. While the rule change is a welcome move for many, it is important to note that TSA officers may still ask some travelers to remove their shoes for additional screening measures.
Previously, only travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck could keep their shoes on during security checks. The PreCheck program requires travelers to submit an application and go through a clearance process with the Transportation Security Administration. With the new rule change, most passengers will be able to keep their shoes on while passing through security, leading to lower wait times and an improved travel experience.
The decision to end the 'shoes-off' policy is part of a series of changes implemented to modernize and enhance the traveler experience across airports. It is also a result of advancements in security technology and a multilayered security approach, which includes identity verification and other screening processes.
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Some travellers may still be flagged for additional screening
While the new rule allows travellers to keep their shoes on at the airport, some travellers may still be flagged for additional screening. This means that, in some cases, TSA officers can still ask passengers to remove their footwear.
The "shoes-off" rule was initially implemented in 2006 after British terrorist Richard Reid unsuccessfully tried to detonate homemade bombs hidden in his shoes during a flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001. The shoes he wore on the flight contained 10 ounces of explosive material.
The shoe-removal policy was relaxed and then resurrected before being phased out in 2025. The decision to end the policy was informed by risk assessments and based on leveraging advanced technologies. TSA officers may still ask travellers to remove their shoes if they require additional layers of screening.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to review other rules and procedures to see how airport screenings can be simplified and expedited. The agency is testing separate lanes for military personnel and families with young children and expects to pilot other changes in the next six to eight months.
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The change is expected to reduce wait times at security checkpoints
In a bid to reduce wait times at security checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has decided to end the shoe-removal policy at airports. This means that passengers at airports across the country can now keep their footwear on as they go through security. The new policy is expected to drastically decrease passenger wait times at TSA checkpoints, enhancing the overall traveller experience.
The shoe-removal policy was first introduced in 2006 after British terrorist Richard Reid unsuccessfully tried to detonate homemade bombs hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001. The shoes he wore contained about 10 ounces of explosive material. Following this incident, the TSA required passengers in standard screening lines to remove and X-ray their shoes, along with other items such as laptops and liquids.
Over the years, the TSA has received criticism for the inconvenience caused by the shoe-removal policy. In response, the agency has been working to find innovative ways to speed up the security screening process. With advancements in security technology, the TSA is now confident that removing shoes is no longer necessary for effective security screening.
While the new policy is a significant shift, it may not apply to all passengers. TSA officers may still request certain individuals to remove their shoes if additional screening measures are required. This could include passengers who trigger the alarm at scanners or magnetometers. However, for the majority of travellers, the change means a faster and more streamlined security process.
The end of the shoe-removal policy is part of a series of changes implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to modernise and improve the traveller experience. These changes include the "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease" program, which offers special benefits to uniformed service members and their families. The TSA is also reviewing other rules and procedures to simplify and expedite airport screenings, such as testing separate lanes for military personnel and families with young children.
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TSA PreCheck benefits will still be available for expedited security
In a bid to enhance the traveller experience, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a series of changes, including ending the 'Shoes-Off' policy. This means that passengers travelling through domestic airports can now keep their shoes on at TSA checkpoints. This change will not only increase hospitality for travellers but also streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to lower wait times.
While this new policy is a welcome change for most passengers, it may not apply to those who require additional screening measures. In such cases, TSA officers may still ask passengers to remove their footwear.
The TSA PreCheck is a fee-based service that offers expedited security benefits to travellers. For a cost of around $80 for five years, passengers can enjoy faster airport screening. To enrol in TSA PreCheck, passengers can follow three simple steps or walk into any enrolment location. The TSA PreCheck benefits will still be available for expedited security, especially for those who wish to avoid the occasional additional screening that may require shoe removal.
To receive TSA PreCheck benefits, travellers must ensure that their Known Traveller Number (KTN) appears on their boarding pass. This can be done by adding the KTN to the 'KTN' field of all airline reservations and confirming that the name and date of birth on the reservation match the information used during enrolment. For those with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and an active HME security threat assessment, the two-letter state abbreviation followed by the CDL number can be used as the KTN.
Uniformed service members, federal DOD civilian employees, and DHS federal employees are eligible to receive TSA PreCheck benefits for free. Additionally, TWIC cardholders who meet the eligibility requirements can use their TWIC Credential Identification Number as their KTN to receive TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to take your shoes off at U.S. airports anymore. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has ended its shoe-removal policy, allowing passengers to keep their shoes on at security checkpoints.
The shoe-removal policy was implemented in 2006 after a terrorist, Richard Reid, attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001.
Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck could already keep their shoes on at the airport. However, with the new policy, most passengers will not be required to remove their shoes, making PreCheck a less necessary option.
The change in policy currently applies to U.S. domestic airports. While some international airports may still require shoe removal, others may start phasing out this security measure, so it's best to check with the specific airport or country's regulations.
While the new policy allows passengers to keep their shoes on, TSA officers may still ask certain individuals to remove their shoes for additional screening measures if necessary.
