Airports in the United States will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes during security checks. As per an official TSA ( Transportation Security Administration) announcement, the decades-old “shoes-off” policy will be coming to an end nationwide effective immediately. This comes as part of a larger overhaul of TSA procedures.
Airport security in the United States is infamously difficult. It’s invasive, long lines can lead to wait times in the hours, and the entire process is generally disliked by most. Given the US’s history with air terrorism though, we’ve come to accept the TSA as a necessary evil. However, there has not been a single attempted terrorist attack on a US-registered passenger airliner leaving the US since 9/11 (all were on flights from abroad), so the TSA is relaxing certain requirements.
Looking At The Relaxed Requirements
Prior to the announcement, only passengers over the age of 75 or children under the age of 13 were not required to remove shoes. Further, passengers enrolled in trusted passenger programs (namely TSA Precheck and CLEAR) also received this privilege. For everyone else, the shoes had to come off, leading to longer wait times and confusion for foreign passengers.
Starting now, nearly all passengers can keep their shoes on regardless of age or enrollment in trusted passenger programs. Travelers selected for extra screenings will still be required to remove shoes. Reportedly, advancements in security technology as well as requirements for REAL ID compliance will allow this change without compromising safety.
While many security requirements are largely universal, the TSA’s shoe requirements were largely unique to the country. This not only confused foreign travelers but also slowed down the security process. Airport security attempts to strike a balance between being thorough and being efficient, so this move will bring American airport security more in line with other nations.
Other Changes Coming To The TSA
As part of a broader initiative to improve the airport experience in the United States, the Trump Administration is changing policies at the TSA. The primary motivation is to not only improve the efficiency of the TSA but also to make airport security more hospitable for passengers.
On July 2, the TSA announced its new “Serve With Honor, Travel With Ease” program, which grants additional benefits to those in the military and their family members. Gold Star families that lost a loved one in combat receive a waiver from enrollment fees for trusted travelers programs. Meanwhile, military spouses and active service members receive a $25 discount on TSA Precheck fees.
In May 2025, the TSA began requiring travelers to present a REAL ID for domestic flights. REAL ID is a federal program that has more stringent requirements than other forms of ID while also having the same standards across the nation. Without a REAL ID, passengers need to present another acceptable form of identification, such as an Enhanced ID or a passport. Passports are still mandatory for international travel.
Source: https://simpleflying.com/tired-of-taking-off-your-shoes-at-the-airport-you-may-not-have-to-anymore/
