TSA Officially Announces an End to Shoe Removal Requirement for Air Travelers

by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:20 AM ET, Tue July 8, 2025

UPDATED: July 9, 9:30 a.m. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will allow travelers passing through domestic airports to keep their shoes on during the security screening process.

Today's news brings an end to policy that dates back to 2006, which was adopted in response to the notorious "shoe bomber" incident of 2001 involving Richard Reid, a British national who attempted to blow up an American Airlines flight with explosives hidden in his shoe.

During a press briefing this afternoon, officials said new "cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security" that has been implemented at airports nationwide paved the way for the elimination of the shoe removal requirement. TSA officials are confident that security standards can be maintained moving forward without shoe removal as part of security screenings.

Passengers will still be subject to clearing identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other processes. 

The U.S. Travel Association applauded the news about ending the shoes-off policy, stating: "Thanks to cutting-edge screening technology and strong decision-making, all travelers will now experience a more secure, seamless and efficient process at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. Keeping shoes on will reduce wait times and streamline air travel for all Americans."

Travelers who have TSA PreCheck were already allowed to keep their shoes on prior to today's announcement. The PreCheck program, which costs about $80 per five years and includes quicker security screening, requires a background check issued in advance.