Airports in the United States permit footwear to be kept within their premises
In a significant shift for air travellers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced on July 8, 2025, that passengers travelling through domestic airports can keep their shoes on while passing through TSA security checkpoints. This marks the end of nearly two decades of mandatory shoe removal that began in 2006, following the infamous "shoe bomber" incident in 2001.
The change comes as a result of advancements in technology and a multi-layered security approach, aiming to streamline the TSA checkpoint process, reduce wait times, and improve the traveler experience. Passengers who trigger alarms will still need to remove their shoes for additional screening.
The routine of removing shoes during security checks started in August 2006, five years after Richard Reid attempted to ignite hidden explosives in his shoes. Reid, now serving a life sentence in a high-security prison in the U.S. state of Colorado, is a reminder of the heightened security measures that were put in place following the incident.
While the end of the "shoes-off" policy is a major change for most passengers, certain groups are exempt from the procedure. These include children under 12 and adults aged 75 and over. The PreCheck program for trusted travelers, introduced by the security agency in 2013, also exempts enrolled passengers from removing their shoes during security checks. This voluntary program is designed to expedite the security process for certain travelers who meet certain criteria.
It's important to note that other aspects of the agency's security process remain unchanged. Passengers must still undergo identity verification during security checks, as well as Secure Flight verification. The agency is now pursuing a multi-layered, interagency approach to security, ensuring that the change in the end of socks policy is anticipated to maintain the highest security standards.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that this change will significantly reduce wait times for passengers, improving the overall travel experience. The TSA's commitment to security remains unwavering, as they continue to utilise advanced technology and layered security measures to ensure the safety of all travellers.
References: [1] ABC News. (2025, July 8). TSA Announces End to Mandatory Shoe Removal for Domestic Flights. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/tsa-announces-end-mandatory-shoe-removal-domestic-flights/story?id=8798735
[2] CNN. (2025, July 8). TSA Ends Mandatory Shoe Removal for Domestic Flights. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/tsa-shoe-removal-policy/index.html
[3] The New York Times. (2025, July 8). TSA Ends Mandatory Shoe Removal for Domestic Flights. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/us/tsa-shoe-removal-policy.html
The TSA's choice to permit passengers to keep their shoes on during security checks is part of a larger community policy focused on improving the traveler experience, as well as employment policy changes aimed at reducing wait times through advanced technology and a multi-layered security approach. This initiative could potentially influence the lifestyle of frequent flyers, as it allows for a more convenient and less time-consuming airport experience, which in turn may influence their travel choices.
