Article Highlights:

  • TSA is quietly phasing out mandatory shoe removal at select US airports.
  • The change follows nearly 20 years of post–”shoe bomber” security measures.
  • TSA PreCheck members already enjoy this benefit and more at checkpoints.
  • The rollout is not yet nationwide; travelers should check local policies.
  • The shift is part of TSA’s broader move toward faster, tech-driven screening.

 

 

After nearly two decades, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is beginning to phase out the requirement for passengers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints.

“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints.”

Internal DHS memos and news reports confirm the policy shift is already underway at select US airports, including Baltimore/Washington, Fort Lauderdale, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Portland, Philadelphia and Piedmont Triad.

The change marks a significant shift in TSA policy, which has required shoe removal since 2006 in response to the 2001 “shoe bomber” attempt by Richard Reid. It’s a development that aims to modernize airport security, reduce passenger delays and improve the overall traveler experience. But it’s not universal yet, and it’s still unfolding.

 

Airport Security Easing Up on Footwear Removal

Though not yet formalized nationwide, the soft rollout has started to turn heads. Reports from CBS News, NBC and CNN suggest that the shoe removal requirement has effectively expired at some TSA checkpoints, even for travelers going through standard screening lines.

TSA has confirmed, without issuing a press release, that 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.” They’ve also stated that any updates to their TSA PreCheck requirements or general screening procedures will be communicated through official channels.

Until then, travelers can expect inconsistency. Depending on your departure airport, you may or may not be asked to remove your shoes. And if you trigger a screening alarm, you may still need to remove them, even at airports participating in the new policy.

 

TSA PreCheck Flyer Benefits

While this new policy is catching the attention of standard travelers, TSA PreCheck members have long enjoyed this convenience. Since the program launched, PreCheck passengers have typically been exempt from removing shoes, belts and light jackets. They also skip the laptop and liquid removal process.

According to Daniel Velez, TSA spokesperson, as of October 2023, more than 30% of all passengers moving through checkpoints are PreCheck members, a number that has more than doubled in recent years. A Global Rescue survey of the world’s most experienced travelers found that 7 out of 10 belong to Trusted Traveler Programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry — more than twice the rate of the average American flyer.

For travelers like Michael Holmes, a PreCheck member and head of sales and marketing at Global Rescue, the benefits are clear: “Not having to take off my shoes, remove my computer from the bag, or take off my jacket to get through security is great.”

 

What Travelers Should Know Now

This shift doesn’t mean everyone can keep their laces tied just yet. The TSA has emphasized that the policy will not be implemented simultaneously at all airports. The agency encourages travelers to check the TSA policies at their specific departure airports before flying.

Additionally, the policy doesn’t apply if a traveler sets off an alarm during screening or if further screening is required for any reason. Until an official, nationwide announcement is made, expect some variation across locations.

Still, the momentum is clear: the TSA is modernizing, and the outdated shoe rule appears to be heading for retirement.

 

Why Now?

Several factors are driving this policy shift.

First, advances in security technology, like computed tomography (CT) scanners, biometric systems and TSA Touchless ID, are improving the agency’s ability to detect threats without requiring physical removal of clothing items like shoes. These upgrades allow for safer, faster and less intrusive screenings, even in standard security lanes.

Second, the shift is part of a broader push to improve the passenger experience and reduce bottlenecks at checkpoints. By eliminating one of the most common screening delays, the TSA aims to enhance throughput and minimize frustration.

Lastly, public and expert pressure has mounted for years questioning the effectiveness of shoe removal in modern threat detection. As new systems emerge, the need for this 2006-era precaution is waning.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

The end of the TSA’s shoe removal rule signals a new era of faster, smarter airport security, but the best way to protect your time and safety remains a Trusted Traveler Program like TSA PreCheck.

Technological advances including TSA Touchless ID, TSA Digital ID, biometric screening and CT scanners continue to evolve airport security, making it more efficient and less invasive. But even as air travel becomes more seamless, emergencies abroad can still pose significant risks.

A Global Rescue membership provides travelers with peace of mind that can’t be matched by PreCheck alone. Whether you’re injured on a remote fishing trip or fall ill during an international business meeting, Global Rescue covers medical evacuations and field rescues that could otherwise cost up to $300,000, at no additional charge for members.

As Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards recently told Forbes, “In today’s unpredictable world, travelers must be prepared to evacuate swiftly when needed.”

Whether it’s skipping the hassle at the airport or ensuring you can get home in a crisis, the smartest travelers are combining TSA PreCheck with Global Rescue for complete confidence, before, during and after their trip.