By Aravind Gehlot | July 8, 2025
The TSA shoe removal rule change has officially begun and for many U.S. travelers, that means less hassle at airport security. As of July 2025, some airports in the U.S. have stopped requiring passengers to take off their shoes during standard security screenings
As of this week, some U.S. airports have quietly dropped the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes during standard security screenings — a rule that’s been in place for nearly two decades. This isn’t a complete reversal nationwide just yet, but it’s a significant shift in how airport security is evolving TSA Shoe Removal Rule Change
“This TSA shoe removal rule change was confirmed by CBS News…”
“The decision behind the TSA shoe removal rule change relates to updated screening technology…”
“What does this TSA shoe removal rule change mean for the future of airport security?”
Which Airports Are Affected?
Sources familiar with the change told CBS News that the no-shoe rule has already been lifted at several airports as part of a phased rollout. These include TSA Shoe Removal Rule Change
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
- Portland International Airport
- Philadelphia International Airport
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (North Carolina)
Interestingly, reporters noted that passengers at Los Angeles International Airport and LaGuardia in New York were also allowed to pass through security without removing their shoes, even though these airports weren’t officially listed TSA Shoe Removal Rule Change
What About TSA PreCheck?
If you’ve ever gone through TSA Pre Check, this update might not sound new. Pre Check travelers have long been exempt from removing shoes, belts, and light jackets. They also don’t need to take out laptops or liquids from their bags TSA Shoe Removal Rule Change
However, the big difference now is that even travelers who don’t have TSA Pre Check are starting to get the same convenience at select airports. It’s unclear how long it will take to roll out nationwide, but it’s clear that the Transportation Security Administration is experimenting with making the screening process more efficient for everyone.
Why Were We Removing Our Shoes in the First Place?
To understand the importance of this change, it’s helpful to look back.
The shoe removal rule was introduced following a 2001 incident involving Richard Reid, often referred to as the “shoe bomber.” He attempted to blow up a flight from Paris to Miami using explosives hidden in his shoes. Thankfully, passengers subdued him, and the flight landed safely.
In the years that followed, the TSA began asking passengers to voluntarily remove their shoes at checkpoints. By 2006, it became a formal requirement across all U.S. airports tsa shoes
So while the rule made sense in the context of a specific threat at the time, critics have long argued that technology and better intelligence should allow for smarter, more targeted security, rather than blanket policies.
What’s Changed Now?
According to TSA’s statement to CBS News, both the agency and the Department of Homeland Security are “exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience while maintaining strong security.”
In other words, it’s not about relaxing safety — it’s about modernizing the process.
Thanks to better screening equipment, real-time threat detection, and more sophisticated passenger data systems, TSA can make more nuanced decisions. That means low-risk travelers can move through security faster, and more attention can be given where it’s actually needed.
What Should Travelers Expect?
For now, this change isn’t guaranteed at every airport. If you’re traveling soon, it’s best to:
- Check your airport’s official website for updated security procedures
- Still arrive early — just in case lines are long or policies vary
- Don’t assume you won’t have to remove your shoes unless you’re clearly told otherwise
And if you travel often, you might still want to consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry — both programs still offer the most consistent fast-lane experience.
Final Thoughts
While removing shoes at the airport has become almost second nature to American travelers, it’s refreshing to see the TSA reevaluating policies that may no longer be necessary. The fact that some airports are already letting passengers through with their shoes on signals a shift toward a more intelligent, risk-based approach to security.
It may seem like a small win — but anyone who’s rushed through security juggling bags, shoes, and laptops knows how big of a difference small wins can make.
Here’s hoping the change expands soon, and that flying can finally feel a little less like a hassle, and a little more like the exciting journey it’s meant to be.