Air travelers no longer need to remove their footwear during airport security checks; learn the essentials.
In a significant shift for air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that passengers will no longer be required to remove their shoes during pre-flight security screenings at several major U.S. airports. The policy change, which was announced on July 8, 2025, by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, aims to improve the overall traveler experience while maintaining security standards.
The new rule was initially rolled out at Baltimore/Washington, Fort Lauderdale, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Portland, Philadelphia, and Piedmont Triad international airports, with plans to expand nationwide. However, passengers who trigger alarms during screening may still be asked to remove their shoes for additional checks.
This policy change comes nearly two decades after the implementation of the shoes-off rule, which was introduced in 2006 following an attempted shoe bombing. The rule was a response to the Department of Homeland Security raising the threat level for the U.S. aviation sector.
The TSA has updated its guidance on the matter internally and has begun informing TSA officers nationwide. The agency has also revised its Standard Operating Procedures to reflect the new policy. The rule change is being implemented at several major airports, including New York's La Guardia and Los Angeles International Airport.
The White House has seemingly confirmed the rule change, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posting about it on Twitter. Her tweet suggests that the TSA's rule change aligns with the goals of the Department of Homeland Security. The travel newsletter Gate Access was the first to report the internal TSA move over the weekend, suggesting that the White House will officially announce the change in protocol.
It's important to note that travelers without a REAL ID or approved alternative documents will be subject to extra screening at airports, which could cause them to miss their flights. Forbes has reported on this requirement, which came into effect a couple of months ago.
The TSA also allowed children who are 12 and younger to go through security screening without removing their shoes since 2011. Similarly, travelers who signed up for the T.S.A.'s PreCheck trusted traveler program have been exempt from the shoes-off rule during security screenings.
The end of the shoes-off policy marks a significant step towards modernizing airport security procedures, reducing wait times, and improving the overall traveler experience. The TSA and Department of Homeland Security have not yet officially announced the rule change to the public, but it is expected that more details will be shared in the coming days.
[1] CBS News, "TSA considering allowing passengers to keep shoes on during airport security screenings," 8 July 2025, [2] The New York Times, "TSA to Allow Passengers to Keep Shoes On During Airport Security Screenings," 8 July 2025,
This policy change by the TSA, effective July 8, 2025, allows travelers to keep their shoes on during airport security checks, marking a shift in the standard procedures that were originally implemented in 2006. The update to the rule is expected to improve the traveler lifestyle, reduce wait times, and modernize airport security. The TSA continues to work with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that the new policy maintains security standards while enhancing the overall airport experience.
