Keep your shoes on: Latest TSA regulation revolutionizes airport checks!

Keep your shoes on: Latest TSA regulation revolutionizes airport checks!

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a major change to airport security checks. Passengers are now allowed to keep their shoes on during security checks. This policy, unveiled by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on July 8, 2025, at Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, marks the end of a 20-year-long requirement to remove one's shoes. Shoe removal was introduced in 2006 in response to the September 11 attacks and Richard Reid's attempted shoe bombing in 2001.

The aim of this new directive is to reduce waiting times at checkpoints and avoid traffic jams, especially under the pressure of increasing passenger numbers. From now on, the new rule will be gradually implemented at numerous airports. The first airports to implement this policy include Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Portland, Philadelphia and Piedmont Triad.

Technological advances enable change

The ability to forego the requirement to remove shoes has been made possible by significant advances in safety technology. Innovative technologies such as 3D scanners and AI systems have reduced the need for intensive controls. While TSA PreCheck participants have benefited from this policy since 2013, the benefit will now be expanded to all travelers in regular check lanes.

However, all passengers should note that the exception applies to those who set off alarms when passing through scanners or magnetometers; they may still need to remove their shoes. Regardless of this rule, other safety measures, such as removing larger electronic devices and the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, remain in place. The TSA invested in modern security technologies to increase efficiency and enable faster processes.

Expectations and transition phase

The new no-shoes policy heralds a significant improvement for travelers who are often frustrated with airport security procedures. However, it is to be expected that during the transition period different procedures may vary depending on the airport and passenger. With this measure, the TSA is responding to the increase in passenger numbers and the need to optimize security processes.

The decision to eliminate the no-shoes requirement represents a significant step in the ongoing adaptation of TSA's security protocols to current circumstances. Passengers can look forward to faster processing, although security checks are still necessary. Like the reports from Mercury and Travel and Tour World show, TSA is committed to improving the passenger experience in the coming months.