TSA Just Ended the Shoe Removal Rule – Here’s What Travelers Need to Know

After nearly 20 years of the stressful airport shoe shuffle, TSA has officially ended the requirement to remove your shoes at security checkpoints. The change was announced on Tuesday, July 8, to be “effective immediately.”

What Changed

TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when going through standard security checkpoints at US airports. The policy change is nationwide and applies to all domestic airports immediately.

The shoe removal requirement started in 2006, several years after passenger Richard Reid (the “Shoe Bomber”) tried and failed to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001. TSA implemented the rule citing a continuing threat of similar terrorist plots.

DHS explained that security technology has improved considerably since then, with advanced body scanners and other screening methods making shoe removal unnecessary while maintaining safety standards. The policy appears to have been tested at select airports before the nationwide rollout. Some travelers started noticing the change over the weekend before the official announcement.

Who This Affects

The policy change applies to passengers going through regular security lines at all US airports. You can now keep your shoes on regardless of your age or frequent flyer status.

TSA PreCheck members already didn’t have to remove shoes, so this change mainly benefits travelers who don’t have PreCheck enrollment.

The main exception: passengers who need additional screening may still be asked to remove shoes in some circumstances.

Does This Apply to International Travel?

The new policy only covers TSA security checkpoints in the United States. When you’re traveling internationally, you’ll still need to follow the security rules of whatever country you’re in.

What About Other Security Rules?

For now, this only applies to shoes. You still need to remove belts, coats, and electronics from your bags if you’re not in the PreCheck line. You must also still follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule.

The TSA is evaluating other security requirements and may make additional changes if they can maintain safety while improving the passenger experience.

Is This Safe?

TSA says yes – the agency’s position is that current scanning technology can detect potential threats without requiring shoe removal. The multilayered security approach includes improved body scanners, identity verification, and other screening methods that weren’t available when the shoe rule started.

What This Means for TSA PreCheck

PreCheck still has value even with this change. Members can keep their belts on, leave laptops and liquids in their bags, and use dedicated faster lanes. The program also includes trusted traveler benefits beyond just airport security.

PreCheck costs up to $85 for five years, and about 30% of travelers currently have it – read our guide to PreCheck and Global Entry here!