Airline passengers in the United States will no longer be required to remove their shoes during routine airport security screenings, the Department of Homeland Security announced Monday.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the policy change takes effect immediately across all U.S. airports, ending a requirement in place since 2006.
“TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoint,” Noem said during a July 8 press conference. “We’ve made significant advancements in how we screen individuals, and this change reflects that progress.”
The Transportation Security Administration implemented the shoe removal policy in response to a 2001 failed attempt to detonate explosives concealed in footwear aboard a commercial flight. Although exceptions were later introduced—most notably for participants in the TSA PreCheck program—the rule remained a standard part of screening for the general public.
Noem said updated technology and a recent review of security protocols led to the decision. While the mandate has been lifted, TSA agents may still ask travelers to remove their shoes if additional screening is required.
“We’ve evaluated the equipment that every airport has and are fully confident that with this new policy, our security needs remain intact,” she said.
In recent years, some airports using advanced screening equipment had already stopped enforcing shoe removal in certain lanes, but until now the TSA had not officially confirmed a nationwide change.
Despite the shift, Noem noted that the TSA PreCheck program still offers benefits, including the ability to leave compliant liquids and electronics in carry-on bags.
The agency said it will continue to adjust procedures as needed, based on threat levels and available technology.
“We’ve gone back and looked at our security processes, and overall, we determined the shoe removal requirement is no longer one of the most effective tools,” Noem said.
