TSA to drop shoe removal requirement at select U.S. airports

WASHINGTON, D.C. — TRAVELERS at select airports across the United States will no longer be required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints, in a move aimed at modernizing and streamlining the airport screening process.

The announcement was made on Monday (July 8) by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, who noted that the change is part of broader efforts to reduce wait times and enhance the overall passenger experience.

“We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience," Secretary Noem said. "As always, security remains our top priority. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards.”

The long-standing “shoes-off” policy—often criticized by travelers as inconvenient—was introduced after the 2001 attempted shoe bombing. Its rollback comes amid growing calls for a more traveler-friendly experience at U.S. airports and around the world.

The updated protocol will initially apply only at select domestic airports, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has not yet released a full list of participating locations. Other key security measures, including identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and baggage screening, will remain in effect.

Ending the shoe removal policy is one of several recent changes introduced under the Trump administration. Earlier this month, TSA rolled out its “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” initiative, offering expedited screening and TSA PreCheck discounts for uniformed service members and their families. In May, the agency began full implementation of REAL ID requirements at airport checkpoints, reporting a 94% compliance rate and increased screening efficiency.

The DHS emphasized that these efforts are part of what the administration is calling a “new Golden Age of American travel.”