Your shoes are cleared for takeoff — TSA backs off after 20 years of mandatory footwear removal
In a major change for air travelers, the U.S. government has ended the longstanding rule requiring passengers to remove their shoes during airport security checks. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday that the mandate, introduced nearly two decades ago, is no longer necessary and the change is effective immediately across all U.S. airports.
The decision follows a pilot program that demonstrated the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the necessary equipment to maintain security standards without needing passengers to take off their shoes.
“I think most Americans will be very excited to see they will be able to keep their shoes on, and it will be a much more streamlined process,” Noem said during the announcement.
However, TSA agents will still be allowed to request shoe removal if additional screening is deemed necessary. The travel change was first reported by the newsletter Gate Access.
The practice of shoe removal began in the mid-2000s after Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a 2001 flight from Paris to Miami. The mandate formally applied to passengers aged 12 to 75.
Until now, travelers could avoid removing shoes only if they were enrolled in TSA PreCheck — a program that costs about $80 for five years and allows expedited security processing without removing shoes, belts, or light jackets. Noem confirmed that PreCheck will remain available, though travelers using standard screening lanes must continue placing other items like jackets and electronics on the conveyor belt.
Noem added that TSA is reviewing additional screening measures to reduce wait times and improve the passenger experience. The agency is currently testing dedicated lanes for military personnel and families with children and is expected to pilot other changes over the next six to eight months.
In recent years, TSA has explored the use of facial recognition and implemented the Real ID program to strengthen identity verification at airports.
Created in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, the TSA replaced private security contractors with federal employees to handle screening. While most travelers are familiar with the process, long queues and bag checks remain common pain points.
Former Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who served under President Donald Trump, raised concerns in April about the TSA's performance, stating, “It’s clear that TSA is the #1 travel complaint. That falls under the Department of Homeland Security. I’ll discuss this with @Sec_Noem.”
In January, Trump removed TSA Administrator David Pekoske without explanation, despite his ongoing second term. The position remains unfilled, according to the TSA’s official website.
The decision follows a pilot program that demonstrated the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the necessary equipment to maintain security standards without needing passengers to take off their shoes.
“I think most Americans will be very excited to see they will be able to keep their shoes on, and it will be a much more streamlined process,” Noem said during the announcement.
However, TSA agents will still be allowed to request shoe removal if additional screening is deemed necessary. The travel change was first reported by the newsletter Gate Access.
The practice of shoe removal began in the mid-2000s after Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a 2001 flight from Paris to Miami. The mandate formally applied to passengers aged 12 to 75.
Until now, travelers could avoid removing shoes only if they were enrolled in TSA PreCheck — a program that costs about $80 for five years and allows expedited security processing without removing shoes, belts, or light jackets. Noem confirmed that PreCheck will remain available, though travelers using standard screening lanes must continue placing other items like jackets and electronics on the conveyor belt.
Noem added that TSA is reviewing additional screening measures to reduce wait times and improve the passenger experience. The agency is currently testing dedicated lanes for military personnel and families with children and is expected to pilot other changes over the next six to eight months.
In recent years, TSA has explored the use of facial recognition and implemented the Real ID program to strengthen identity verification at airports.
Created in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, the TSA replaced private security contractors with federal employees to handle screening. While most travelers are familiar with the process, long queues and bag checks remain common pain points.
Former Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who served under President Donald Trump, raised concerns in April about the TSA's performance, stating, “It’s clear that TSA is the #1 travel complaint. That falls under the Department of Homeland Security. I’ll discuss this with @Sec_Noem.”
In January, Trump removed TSA Administrator David Pekoske without explanation, despite his ongoing second term. The position remains unfilled, according to the TSA’s official website.
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