Travelers Can Now Keep Shoes On at TSA Checkpoints Nationwide

In a major shift to U.S. airport security protocol, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer require most travelers to remove their shoes during screening. The announcement came Tuesday from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who called the policy change “immediate and nationwide.”

The move marks the end of a nearly 20-year-old rule that has long been a source of traveler frustration. It’s part of a broader effort by the TSA to modernize procedures and ease passenger flow without compromising safety.

“We want to improve this travel experience while maintaining safety standards,” Noem said during a press conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

A Post-9/11 Rule Finally Retired

The mandatory shoe removal rule began in the wake of the 2001 attempted bombing by Richard Reid—infamously known as the “shoe bomber.” Reid tried to detonate explosives hidden in his footwear during a transatlantic flight, prompting TSA to adopt stringent shoe screening protocols in 2006 based on continued intelligence warnings.

Since then, removing shoes at security checkpoints has become a familiar, if unpopular, ritual for millions of travelers passing through U.S. airports.

PreCheck Perks Become the Norm

Until now, only travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck—a trusted traveler program—were allowed to keep their shoes on, along with other benefits like keeping electronics in their carry-ons.

With Tuesday’s change, the same convenience is being extended to the general public, thanks to advancements in screening technology and refined risk-based approaches.

“We took a hard look at how TSA does its business, how it does its screening processes, and what we do to make people safe—but also provide some hospitality as well,” Noem said.

Why the Change Now?

Officials say the shift is driven by upgraded airport screening equipment and a need to prepare for major upcoming travel events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Homeland Security anticipates a sharp rise in international and domestic travel over the next year, and easing passenger bottlenecks has become a high priority.

TSA screened an average of 2.5 million passengers daily in 2023, a number expected to grow.

Industry Applauds the Move

Airlines and industry groups welcomed the update, calling it a practical, tech-driven decision that reflects today’s risk environment.

Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers like American, Delta, and United, issued a statement praising the policy:

“This policy change 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. Making security decisions informed by risk assessments and advanced technologies is a commonsense approach.”

What Travelers Need to Know

While the new policy applies broadly, travelers are still encouraged to follow all TSA signage and instructions, as exceptions may apply in specific cases or airports where implementation is still underway.

As TSA updates security lanes and retrains personnel, passengers can expect a more streamlined—and less barefoot—experience at airports across the country.