TSA Drops Shoe Removal Rule at Select U.S. Airports

U.S. Airports Begin Eliminating Shoe Removal Requirements at Security Checkpoints

Select U.S. airports are quietly eliminating mandatory shoe removal at security checkpoints, marking a significant shift in post-9/11 travel protocols. Sources familiar with the changes confirm that passengers at certain facilities can now keep their footwear on during screening.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has not publicly announced which specific airports have implemented these modifications. Industry sources indicate the changes represent part of ongoing security modernization efforts that began gaining momentum in recent years.

This development reverses nearly two decades of standard procedure. The shoe removal requirement was instituted in 2006 following the attempted “shoe bomber” attack by Richard Reid in 2001. Since then, millions of travelers have routinely removed footwear before passing through metal detectors and body scanners.

Advanced screening technology reportedly enables the policy shift. Newer detection equipment can identify potential threats without requiring passengers to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets. The enhanced systems provide security officials with clearer imaging capabilities than previous generations of scanners.

The change affects only select airports currently, though expansion to additional facilities remains possible. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members have enjoyed shoe-on screening privileges since those programs launched, but this marks the first time general passengers receive similar treatment.

Travelers should verify current requirements with their departure airports, as policies may vary by location and security checkpoint configuration.

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