TSA Begins Dropping Shoe Removal Requirement at Airport Security

Key Takeaways

• As of July 8, 2025, TSA no longer requires shoe removal at many major U.S. airports.
• Advanced imaging technology enables scanning shoes without removal, improving passenger experience.
• The liquid ban stays until 2040; exceptions apply if alarms trigger during screening.

Travelers flying through major airports in the United States 🇺🇸 are experiencing a major shift in airport security procedures. As of July 8, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has started dropping the long-standing shoe removal requirement at security checkpoints in many of the country’s busiest airports. This change, which is rolling out across the nation, marks the most significant update to U.S. airport security in nearly twenty years. The move is driven by new technology, a fresh look at security risks, and a push to make the airport experience smoother for millions of passengers.

What’s Changing: The End of Mandatory Shoe Removal

For years, travelers in the United States 🇺🇸 have been required to take off their shoes before passing through airport security. This rule, introduced in 2006, was a direct response to a failed shoe bombing attempt in 2001. While it became a familiar part of the airport routine, many passengers found it frustrating and inconvenient—especially since most other countries never adopted the same rule.

Now, thanks to advances in screening technology, the TSA is finally easing this requirement. As of early July 2025, passengers at several major airports—including Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Portland International, Philadelphia International, Piedmont Triad International (NC), Los Angeles International (LAX), and New York LaGuardia—are being told they can keep their shoes on during security checks.

Key facts:
– Who: All passengers in general security lines at participating airports
– What: No longer required to remove shoes during airport security screening
– When: Began late June/early July 2025, officially in effect at many airports as of July 8, 2025
– Where: Major U.S. airports, with more to follow in coming months
– Why: Improved technology and a new assessment of risks
– How: Advanced imaging and detection systems can now scan shoes for threats without removal

How the New TSA Policy Works

The new policy is simple: most travelers can now keep their shoes on when passing through security at airports where the change has been implemented. However, there are some important details to keep in mind:

• If a passenger triggers an alarm during the initial screening, TSA officers may still ask them to remove their shoes for further inspection.
• The liquid ban—which limits the amount of liquids, gels, and aerosols passengers can bring through security—remains in place and is expected to continue until at least 2040.
• The change is made possible by advanced imaging technology that can detect threats hidden in shoes without requiring passengers to take them off.

This means that while the process is now easier for most people, there may still be exceptions. If you set off an alarm or are selected for additional screening, you might still need to remove your shoes.

Why the Change Now? Background and Rationale

The shoe removal requirement was put in place after the 2001 attempted shoe bombing by Richard Reid. In 2006, the TSA made it a standard part of airport security in the United States 🇺🇸. Over time, however, the rule became unpopular with travelers and was seen as a hassle, especially since most other countries did not require it.

The TSA’s decision to drop the shoe removal requirement is based on three main factors:

1. Technological advancements: New screening machines can now scan shoes for hidden threats without removal.
2. Reassessment of risks: Security experts have reviewed the risks and determined that the new technology is effective enough to keep passengers safe.
3. Improving the passenger experience: The TSA wants to make airport security faster and less stressful for travelers, without lowering safety standards.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this change brings the United States 🇺🇸 more in line with international airport security practices, where shoe removal has never been the norm.

Where Is the Policy in Effect?

As of July 8, 2025, the new TSA shoe removal policy is active at several major airports, including:

• Baltimore/Washington International
• Fort Lauderdale International
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International
• Portland International
• Philadelphia International
• Piedmont Triad International (NC)
• Los Angeles International (LAX)
• New York LaGuardia

The TSA has not yet made a formal, nationwide announcement, but multiple news outlets and internal communications confirm that the change is underway. The policy is expected to expand to all U.S. airports in the coming months.

How the Policy Is Being Rolled Out

The rollout began quietly in late June and early July 2025. Passengers at the airports listed above reported being told to keep their shoes on during security checks. While the TSA has not issued a public press release, unnamed senior government officials have confirmed the change to major news outlets, including NBC News, ABC News, and The New York Times.

The TSA is taking a careful approach, monitoring the effectiveness of the new technology and making adjustments as needed. The goal is to have the no-shoe-removal policy in place at all U.S. airports by the end of 2025.

What About TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows travelers to use a special security line where they don’t have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, and can keep laptops and liquids in their bags. For years, one of the main selling points of TSA PreCheck was the ability to keep your shoes on.

With the new policy, this benefit is now available to all passengers at participating airports. This could affect how travelers view the value of TSA PreCheck, which costs $80 for five years. The TSA may need to add new benefits to the program to keep it attractive to frequent flyers.

Key points for TSA PreCheck members:
– The shoe removal benefit is now available to everyone at many airports.
– TSA PreCheck may introduce new perks to justify its fee.
– Other benefits, like shorter lines and keeping laptops in bags, still apply.

What Stays the Same: The Liquid Ban

While the shoe removal requirement is being dropped, the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags is not changing. Passengers are still limited to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, all placed in a single quart-sized bag. This rule is expected to remain in place until at least 2040.

Travelers should continue to follow all other TSA rules for carry-on items, including restrictions on sharp objects, large electronics, and certain foods.

Why Was the Shoe Removal Rule Unique to the United States 🇺🇸?

Most other countries never required passengers to remove their shoes at airport security. The United States 🇺🇸 was unique in making this a standard part of the process. The rule was introduced after a specific threat—the 2001 shoe bombing attempt—but over time, it became clear that technology could address the risk without the need for shoe removal.

Security experts and travel industry analysts have long argued that the rule was outdated and unnecessary, especially as other countries managed to keep airports safe without it. The new policy brings the United States 🇺🇸 in line with international standards and is seen as a positive step by many in the travel industry.

What Are the Benefits for Travelers?

The end of the TSA shoe removal requirement is expected to make airport security faster and less stressful for millions of travelers. Here’s how:

• Shorter wait times: With fewer people stopping to take off and put on shoes, security lines should move more quickly.
• Less hassle: Passengers no longer have to worry about wearing easy-to-remove shoes or standing barefoot in security lines.
• Improved experience: The change is part of a broader effort to make air travel more comfortable and convenient.

However, travelers should still be prepared for exceptions. If you set off an alarm or are selected for additional screening, you may still be asked to remove your shoes.

What Do Security Experts Say?

Most security experts support the change, saying it’s a smart use of new technology and a sensible update to airport security. They point out that the new machines can detect threats just as well—if not better—than the old method of shoe removal.

Some experts caution that the TSA will need to keep a close eye on the effectiveness of the new systems. If new risks are identified, procedures may need to be adjusted. For now, though, the consensus is that the change is a positive step forward.

What Does This Mean for Immigration and International Travelers?

For international travelers arriving in or departing from the United States 🇺🇸, the new policy means a smoother experience at security checkpoints. Many visitors from other countries found the shoe removal rule confusing or unnecessary, since it was not required in most other places.

Now, the process will feel more familiar to international travelers, helping to reduce confusion and make the U.S. airport experience more welcoming. This change could also help speed up lines for those connecting to international flights or going through customs and immigration.

What Should Travelers Do Now?

If you’re flying from a U.S. airport in the coming months, here’s what you need to know:

• Check your airport’s website or the official TSA website (tsa.gov) for the latest information on security procedures.
• Be prepared for exceptions: If you trigger an alarm or are selected for extra screening, you may still need to remove your shoes.
• Follow all other TSA rules: The liquid ban and other security measures remain in effect.
• Arrive early: While lines may move faster, it’s still a good idea to give yourself plenty of time, especially during busy travel periods.

If you have questions, you can contact the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 for help.

How Will the Policy Expand?

The TSA plans to continue rolling out the no-shoe-removal policy to more airports throughout 2025. The goal is to have the new procedure in place at all U.S. airports by the end of the year. The agency will monitor the effectiveness of the new technology and make changes if needed.

There is also ongoing discussion about relaxing other security measures, but for now, the liquid ban and other key rules will remain in place.

What Are the Implications for Stakeholders?

For travelers: The change means a faster, easier, and more comfortable airport experience. It also reduces confusion for international visitors.

For the TSA: The new policy is part of a broader effort to modernize airport security and use technology to improve both safety and convenience.

For TSA PreCheck members: The value of the program may change, and new benefits may be introduced to keep it attractive.

For airlines and airports: Faster security lines can help reduce delays and improve customer satisfaction.

For security experts: The change is a test of new technology and risk assessment. The TSA will need to monitor the results and be ready to make adjustments if needed.

Summary Table: TSA Shoe Removal Policy (as of July 8, 2025)

Final Takeaways

The TSA’s decision to drop the shoe removal requirement at airport security is a welcome change for travelers in the United States 🇺🇸. It reflects advances in technology, a new understanding of risks, and a commitment to making air travel more efficient and pleasant. While the rollout is still underway, and some exceptions remain, the new policy is expected to be in place at all U.S. airports by the end of 2025.

Travelers should stay informed by checking the official TSA website and their departure airport’s announcements for the latest updates. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this change brings U.S. airport security more in line with international standards and is likely to improve the experience for millions of passengers each year.

For now, keep your shoes on, follow all other security rules, and enjoy a smoother journey through airport security. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 for assistance.

Learn Today

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) → U.S. agency responsible for airport security, including screening passengers and baggage.
Shoe removal requirement → Rule mandating passengers take off shoes during security checks to detect hidden threats.
Advanced imaging technology → Screening machines that detect threats by scanning shoes without requiring removal.
TSA PreCheck → A trusted traveler program offering expedited security screening and fewer removal requirements.
Liquid ban → Restriction on liquids in carry-on bags, limiting containers to 3.4 ounces placed in a quart bag.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting July 2025, TSA is easing airport security by allowing passengers to keep shoes on at many airports, using new scanning technology that improves efficiency and aligns U.S. practices with international standards for a smoother travel experience.
— By VisaVerge.com