Travelers across the U.S. can finally keep their shoes on at airport security checkpoints, marking an immediate end to a nearly two-decade-long policy. Announced by Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, on July 8, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer requires passengers to remove their footwear during screening, effective immediately.
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TSA Says Travelers Can Keep Their Shoes On After 20 Years of Bare Feet at Airport Security
This decision follows substantial advancements in security technology, underscoring TSA’s confidence in its evolved “layered security” approach. According to USA Today, Secretary Noem cited enhancements such as advanced scanners, increased staffing, and improved identity verification through REAL ID compliance, affirming that the existing procedures adequately ensure traveler safety without mandatory shoe removal.
The original shoe removal policy dates back to an attempted terrorist attack in December 2001, when Richard Reid, known as the “shoe bomber,” tried to detonate explosives concealed in his shoes during a flight from Paris to Miami. Initially voluntary, shoe removal became an official TSA requirement in 2006, following intelligence indicating persistent threats and an attempted liquid explosives plot.
Avoiding bare feet or socks on dirty airport floors was once a benefit only for TSA PreCheck members. Despite the policy shift, TSA PreCheck continues to hold appeal for frequent travelers. Members of the trusted traveler program, who undergo background checks and pay an application fee, will still enjoy other conveniences, such as keeping liquids and electronics packed during screening.
Secretary Noem also noted that Homeland Security is actively reviewing other TSA rules — such as removing belts, coats, and certain items from bags — for potential future adjustments, provided these changes can be safely implemented. Travelers may still occasionally need to remove their shoes if flagged for additional screening. 