New York: Passengers in the United States may no longer need to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints—a familiar ritual in post-9/11 air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to implement a new policy that allows travelers to keep their shoes on during security screening at many major U.S. airports, according to a memo obtained by multiple news outlets.
The internal notice, which circulated to TSA officers last week, outlines a phased approach. Starting Sunday, passengers in general screening lanes at selected airports will no longer be required to remove their shoes, a privilege previously reserved only for TSA PreCheck enrollees. The agency reportedly intends to roll the change out to all airports nationwide in the coming months.
This marks a significant departure from a policy in place since 2006, when intelligence assessments—following the failed 2001 shoe bombing attempt by Richard Reid—prompted stricter screening procedures. The shift reflects ongoing efforts by the TSA to enhance efficiency without compromising security.
Also Read: Dov Charney’s Net Worth in 2025: What Really Happened to the American Apparel Founder
Why Was Shoe Removal Required in the First Place?
The TSA introduced mandatory shoe removal in 2006 as part of its broader counterterrorism measures. The rule was a direct response to the attempted bombing of American Airlines Flight 63 in December 2001, when British national Richard Reid tried to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes.
Although passengers and crew subdued Reid before he could detonate the device, the incident led federal authorities to classify footwear as a potential threat vector. For nearly two decades, all passengers—except those enrolled in TSA PreCheck or similar trusted traveler programs—have had to remove their shoes at U.S. checkpoints.
The rule became a symbol of heightened post-9/11 security, but also a target of traveler frustration and late-night satire. TSA ads promoting PreCheck have even capitalized on it, highlighting shoe removal as a major inconvenience avoided through membership.
Which Airports Will See the Change First?
While the TSA has not yet formally announced the policy change, internal sources confirmed that several high-traffic airports will begin implementing the update this week. The memo reportedly refers to “screening lanes at many airports across the country,” suggesting a staggered but swift rollout.
Travelers should note, however, that if they trigger alarms at full-body scanners or magnetometers, standard protocols—including shoe removal—may still apply during secondary screening.
The TSA said in a brief statement Monday that it is “exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”
How Does This Affect TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
The latest change is unlikely to diminish the appeal of TSA PreCheck, which continues to offer other benefits like expedited screening, no belt removal, and keeping laptops and liquids in carry-ons. Enrollment for PreCheck costs $78 for five years, and members typically wait under 10 minutes in line.
CLEAR, a biometric identity verification service, is a separate fast-pass program that allows travelers to skip the ID check line and proceed directly to physical screening. CLEAR Plus membership starts at $189 annually, often paired with TSA PreCheck for faster overall access.
With shoe removal now potentially waived for general screening, the gap between regular travelers and those with paid memberships narrows slightly—but other speed and convenience features remain exclusive.
Will the Policy Be Permanent?
The TSA has not specified whether the change is permanent or part of a pilot program. The decision appears aligned with broader goals to modernize airport security, improve passenger flow, and incorporate more risk-based screening measures.
Experts say any lasting policy shift would still depend on intelligence assessments and threat levels. The agency has made previous adjustments to screening procedures over the years, including the implementation and rollback of laptop and liquid rules based on emerging technologies and global threats.
What’s Next for U.S. Airport Security?
This change comes as the TSA navigates record travel numbers. Over 3 million travelers were screened in a single day in late June 2025—an all-time high for the agency. With airport crowds expected to continue rising through summer, reducing friction at security checkpoints is both a logistical and political priority.
Whether this signals a new era of “touchless ID,” biometric checkpoints, or completely automated screening remains to be seen. For now, travelers can prepare to walk through security with shoes on—and perhaps breathe a little easier before takeoff.
