U.S. airports end nearly 20-year shoe-removal rule at security screening

Effective July 8, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer require most passengers to remove shoes during security screenings at U.S. airports, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced. The change follows successful pilot programs and new screening technologies enabling passengers to keep footwear on while maintaining safety.

The 2006 rule, introduced after the Richard Reid “shoe bomber” incident, had been relaxed in 2013 for TSA PreCheck members and young children or seniors. Now, improvements in layered security, including advanced scanners, REAL ID verification, and identity checks, support a safer and smoother process. However, select individuals may still be asked to remove shoes if additional screening is necessary. TSA also plans to revisit other security procedures such as belt, jacket, and laptop removal to streamline the passenger experience.

Source: bbc.com