TSA Ends Shoe Removal Rule at All US Airports in 2025

Travellers can now keep their shoes on during security checks at every airport in the United States.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has ended the long-standing requirement to remove shoes at security checkpoints. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed this update during a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, describing it as a major improvement for travelers.

Do you need to remove shoes in U.S. airport security?

Short answer: No. Travellers passing through U.S. airport security checkpoints are no longer required to remove their shoes. This change, announced by the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in July 2025, ends a rule that had been in place for nearly two decades. The policy shift applies nationwide and is effective immediately.

Immediate Nationwide Change

Kristi Noem announced the new policy is effective immediately at all U.S. airports.

Kristi Noem said:
"Our security technology has changed dramatically. It's evolved. TSA has changed. We have a multilayered, whole-of-government approach now to security and to the environment that people anticipate and experience when they come into an airport that has been honed and it's been hardened."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reviewed equipment at each airport and is confident that security remains strong with this adjustment.

What Remains Unchanged

• Travelers with TSA PreCheck have already enjoyed the benefit of keeping their shoes on.

• PreCheck requires an application and clearance process with the TSA.

• Kristi Noem explained that rules for removing belts, coats, laptops, and liquids still apply for now, though Homeland Security is reviewing these requirements.

TSA’s Perspective

In a statement to CBS News, the TSA emphasized its ongoing commitment to both security and passenger convenience:

TSA said:
"The agency and the Department of Homeland Security are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture."

The Origin of the Shoe Removal Rule

The shoe removal policy began nationwide in 2006 as a direct response to the attempted attack by Richard Reid, the "shoe bomber," who tried to use explosives hidden in his shoes on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001.

• Passengers stopped Richard Reid, and the plane landed safely in Boston.

• After this incident, airlines and the TSA started asking passengers to remove their shoes during security screening.

What’s Next for Security

While the end of mandatory shoe removal is a welcome development, DHS and TSA are still reviewing other security procedures to balance efficiency and safety.

• Some travelers may still be asked to remove their shoes for additional screening if needed.

• The agencies are also considering changes to rules about belts, coats, laptops, and liquids.

Key Points

• Passengers at U.S. airports no longer need to remove their shoes at TSA security checkpoints.

• The change is effective immediately and applies nationwide.

• Advances in security technology and a multilayered approach have made this possible.

• Other security requirements, such as removing belts and laptops, remain in place for now.

For more details, see the official DHS press release.