TSA Ends Mandatory Shoe Removal at Airport Checkpoints Nationwide

WASHINGTON DC— Travelers across the United States are no longer required to remove their shoes when passing through airport security checkpoints, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday. The immediate nationwide policy change marks a significant shift in a two-decade-long security practice instituted after the failed 2001 “shoe bomber” attempt.

“With this no-shoes policy, we anticipate that Americans and travelers and those coming into our country will be very excited they will no longer have to remove their shoes,” Noem told reporters, highlighting that the new rule stems from a broader reassessment of TSA security protocols and technological capabilities. While the updated policy will be standard for most travelers, those requiring additional screening or lacking REAL ID credentials may still be asked to remove their shoes.

The policy change is part of a broader Department of Homeland Security initiative aimed at improving passenger experience without compromising security. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience,” Noem said in a national press release. “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.”

The mandatory removal of shoes was first enforced in 2006, following the 2001 attempt by Richard Reid to detonate explosives concealed in his footwear on a transatlantic American Airlines flight. Reid, now serving a life sentence, failed to ignite the device, but the incident prompted sweeping changes in aviation security practices.

Airlines for America CEO Nicholas Calio welcomed the policy update, calling it a “commonsense approach to policy change” that balances safety with efficiency. “It will go a long way in facilitating smooth, seamless and secure travel for passengers and is welcome news to the millions of people who fly every day,” Calio said.

The TSA has confirmed that the policy update aligns with other recent enhancements, including the July rollout of the “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program, which offers expedited access lanes for uniformed service members and discounted TSA PreCheck enrollment. These efforts coincide with the full implementation of REAL ID requirements, which have reached a 94 percent compliance rate among travelers.

Despite the policy's broad scope, some inconsistencies in enforcement were reported at select airports immediately following the announcement, likely due to the timing of internal communications and local operational variances. Additionally, certain travelers wearing boots with metal components or lacking proper identification may still be subject to footwear removal at the discretion of TSA agents.

As the TSA continues to modernize its approach, the public and aviation experts alike are scrutinizing whether similar updates, such as easing restrictions on liquids, might follow. Currently, the agency maintains that liquid restrictions will remain in effect until at least 2040.

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