The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Tuesday that passengers traveling through US airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during pre-flight security screenings. This policy, which many considered a “humiliation,” had been in place for the last twenty years, with even dignitaries observed taking off their shoes and walking barefoot for security clearance.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed that passengers can now keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. According to the DHS, this new policy aims to enhance hospitality for travelers and streamline the TSA security checkpoint process, leading to reduced wait times.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had imposed the shoe removal policy in August 2006, following an incident involving an alleged terrorist, Richard Reid (also known as the “Shoe Bomber”). Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his basketball shoes using matches while flying from Paris to Miami. A flight attendant noticed his attempt to ignite the explosives, and Reid was subdued. The flight was then diverted to Boston, where the Muslim convert was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” stated Secretary Noem.
According to the US Department of Transportation, over a billion passengers traveled through US airports in 2023, with that number increasing further in 2024.
Secretary Noem further remarked, “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority. 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. This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of American travel.”
Other aspects of TSA’s layered security approach will continue to apply during the TSA checkpoint process. For instance, passengers will still undergo identity verification, Secure Flight vetting, and other procedures. The termination of the “shoes-off” policy marks the latest in a series of changes DHS has implemented since the Trump administration took office. In May, TSA began implementing REAL ID at airport checkpoints, which has achieved a 94% compliance rate, contributing to a more efficient security process.
