TSA Scraps Shoes-Off Rule at U.S. Airports

Travelers to enjoy faster screening under new policy

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Washington, D.C., July 17, 2025 — A longtime source of traveler frustration is being kicked to the curb. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially ended the “shoes-off” policy at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints for domestic flights.

“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” announced Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday via Facebook.  “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times… 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 policy change follows the nationwide rollout of new CT scanners and AI-driven threat detection systems that allow TSA to identify concealed items without requiring passengers to remove their footwear.  It marks a significant shift since the rule was introduced in 2006, following a 2001 attempted shoe bombing.

Initially, the new policy is in effect at six major airports:

• Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
• Portland International (PDX)
• Philadelphia International (PHL)
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

TSA says more airports will adopt the policy in the coming months.

While TSA PreCheck travelers were already exempt from shoe removal, this update benefits all passengers passing through standard screening lines.  Security officers may still request shoe removal on a case-by-case basis.

The Biden-to-Trump administration transition has prioritized travel modernization.  Noem framed this as “one of many” initiatives designed to realize President Trump’s “vision for a new Golden Age of American travel.”

The full rollout is expected to continue into 2026, ahead of major events like the World Cup and the U.S. Semiquincentennial celebrations.