US Ends Two-Decade Shoe Removal Rule at Airport Security Checkpoints

Air travelers in the United States will no longer be required to remove their shoes during airport security screenings, marking the end of a long-standing policy that began nearly 20 years ago.

The change was announced Tuesday by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. She said the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun nationwide implementation of the updated rules aimed at improving passenger convenience.

“We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience,” Noem stated.

The shoe removal policy was first introduced in August 2006, in the wake of the failed 2001 “shoe bomber” attempt by Richard Reid, who tried to ignite explosives hidden in his footwear on a transatlantic flight.

Over one billion passengers passed through U.S. airports in fiscal year 2023, according to the Department of Transportation.

Noem emphasized that improved screening technologies and procedures made the update possible, although travelers could still be asked to remove their shoes if additional screening is deemed necessary.

The change does not affect the TSA PreCheck program, which allows eligible travelers expedited screening without removing shoes, belts, coats, laptops, or compliant liquids.

Other aspects of TSA security remain unchanged, including identity verification and flight vetting procedures.

The move was widely welcomed by frequent flyers, signaling a shift toward faster, tech-driven security processes across U.S. airports.