What’s changing: As of July 8, 2025, the TSA has officially dropped its long-standing rule requiring passengers to remove their shoes at U.S. airport security checkpoints.
The rule was originally implemented in 2006 after a failed bombing attempt by Richard Reid—also known as the “shoe bomber”—who tried to detonate explosives hidden in his shoe.
Why The Change?
Modern security technologies—like advanced CT scanners and hands-up body scanners—now allow TSA agents to detect threats effectively without needing passengers to remove footwear.
The new policy was piloted at several airports, including Philadelphia, Baltimore/Washington, Portland, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Fort Lauderdale, and Piedmont Triad, and is now rolling out nationwide.
The Bottom Line
- The change applies to all travelers, not just TSA PreCheck members, though agents still maintain discretion—some passengers may still be asked to remove shoes for additional screening.
- Other screening rules—like removing belts, jackets, laptops, and verifying liquids—are still in effect. However, the TSA says it’s reviewing additional changes as part of broader airport security modernization.
- TSA PreCheck remains valuable, offering even more convenience by allowing belts, laptops, and liquids to remain in place—not just shoes.
Sources
https://apnews.com/article/1b9fda716f7a24eddf2e706857f2b788
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2025/07/10/bare-feet-tsa-line/