After nearly 20 years, air travelers in the United States will no longer need to remove their shoes during airport security screenings.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is eliminating the shoe removal requirement, effective immediately.
“TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints,” Noem stated. “Our goal is to enhance the travel experience while upholding safety and ensuring the protection of the public.”
She emphasized that the shift is part of a broader, layered security strategy. “Passengers will continue to go through multiple levels of screening, including identity verification,” she said.
Although the policy was under review during the Biden administration, Noem credited former President Donald Trump for initiating the change.
Past security incident
The shoe removal rule was introduced in the wake of multiple threats to aviation security. In December 2001, Richard Reid—later dubbed the “shoe bomber”—attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami.
However, the TSA did not implement the shoe screening requirement until almost five years later, citing ongoing intelligence about potential threats. Around the same time, in response to a foiled 2006 plot involving liquid explosives on transatlantic flights, the TSA also introduced the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on bags.
“Our technology and protocols have evolved significantly over the past two decades,” Noem noted. “We now have advanced scanners and more officers deployed at key points.”
She also highlighted the role of REAL ID requirements in boosting airport security, offering “an additional layer of verification” for identifying passengers.
While members of the TSA PreCheck program have long been exempt from shoe removal, that benefit required a background check and a fee. Noem said she still expects many travelers will continue to see value in enrolling, even though it’s no longer the only way to keep their shoes on.
