Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Passers-through in American airports will no longer need to remove their shoes when undergoing security screening following a major reform sparked by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday. This long-awaited reform, which took immediate effect throughout the country, concludes a practice that had remained in place for nearly two decades.
Noem explained that a recent pilot program demonstrated the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had the necessary technology to ensure safety without requiring passengers to remove their shoes. “This will streamline the process and bring relief to many travelers who can now keep their shoes on,” Noem remarked, noting the significant improvements this change will bring.
While shoe removal is no longer routine, there could still be situations when travelers are requested to remove their shoes. Noem explained that travelers can be requested to remove their shoes if extra screening is necessary for security reasons. It follows years of required shoe removal at security checkpoints, which had been initiated after a failed “shoe bomber” attack foiled in 2001 by Richard Reid.
Since 2006, all travelers aged 12 to 75 had to have their shoes removed for screening, as did other carry-on items. But travelers who are part of the TSA PreCheck program, which costs $80 for five years, have not had to abide by this regulation. PreCheck members are still able to have a faster clearance process, including being able to keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets, and also bypassing laptop and toiletry removal.
While the new rule simplifies the screening process for most, Noem emphasized that TSA plans to continually evaluate other screening protocols to further streamline airport procedures. In the coming months, TSA will test dedicated lanes for military personnel and families with young children. The agency is also exploring innovations such as facial recognition technology and Real ID requirements to enhance identity verification. TSA was founded in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks, and its purpose has changed throughout the years to meet increasing airport security needs. Though there are frustrations regarding lines and occasional interruption, Noem and TSA representatives are dedicated to enhancing travel for all travelers.
This shift indicates a trend toward airport security modernization and fewer unnecessary delays, and future intentions are towards faster, more efficient, and consequently more comfortable travel for travelers.
Update Shoe Removal Procedure
The revised process for shoe removal when undergoing airport security screenings in the United States is:
No More Removing Your Shoes: Passengers are no longer asked to remove their shoes when they pass through regular security checks at most American airports, following a pilot program that proved that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) possesses technology that can maintain security while not obligating people to remove their shoes.
Exceptions for Additional Screening: Although the general rule has changed, there may still be instances where passengers are asked to remove their shoes if additional layers of screening are deemed necessary. This could occur if the TSA officer identifies something suspicious during the screening process, or if the passenger triggers an alarm during the body scanner or metal detector check.
TSA PreCheck Stays the Same: Members of TSA PreCheck (a trusted traveler program) have long had the privilege of being able to leave their shoes on throughout the screening process. This remains true, and PreCheck travelers continue to have a rapid screening process where shoes, belts, light jackets, and some electronics are allowed to stay in their luggage.
In brief, shoe removal is no longer routine protocol, but travelers are still asked to remove shoes in individual situations if extra screening is required. This revision aims to simplify the security process and travel more efficiently.
Security procedures
Security procedures at U.S. airports, particularly under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), are designed to ensure the safety of passengers, crew members, and aircraft. Here’s an overview of the typical security screening process for passengers:
Check-in & Boarding Pass: You will have to check in with your airline, obtain a boarding pass, and perhaps provide identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport) prior to entering a security checkpoint.ID & Boarding Pass Check. You will also be requested to present your government-issued identification (for U.S. citizens) and yourboarding pass at the security checkpoint. This will enable them to confirm your identification and that you are traveling to the right place.
Security Screening: Carry-on Bags & Belongings: X-ray Machine: All carry-on luggage, bags, and personal items (such as electronics, coats, and toiletries) are placed on a conveyor belt and scanned through an X-ray machine to check for prohibited items.
3-1-1 Liquids Rule: Liquids, gels, and aerosols are required to be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. These should be put in a quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag and presented separately for checkpoint screening.
Laptop & Electronics: Laptops, tablets, and large electronics (such as cameras) must be removed from bags and placed separately in a bin for scanning.
Body Screening: Walk-through Metal Detector (WTMD): Passengers are required to pass through a metal detector to verify if they have metallic items on their body.
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT): In some cases, passengers may be asked to go through an AIT scanner (full-body scanner) that can detect non-metallic items that may be hidden under clothing. The AIT is typically used instead of a traditional metal detector.
Pat-down Screening: Travelers who alarm or who opt not to walk through one of the body scanners can have a pat down conducted by a TSA officer if necessary. It’s a physical search of your person and clothing.
Removal of Shoes (Revised Procedure): New Development: Travellers are no longer required to remove their shoes when they pass through routine security scans, except when further checking is required. It had been necessary for all travelers between 12 and 75 years old to remove their shoes due to 9/11-era security processes.
Additional Screening (Random or Suspicious Activity): Passengers are sometimes randomly selected for their belongings to be screened, which may include additional searches of their carry-on bags, explosive swabbing, or other searches.
Suspicious Behavior or Items: If TSA agents detect suspicious behavior or items, further investigation and searches may be conducted.
TSA PreCheck (Expedited Screening)Access: Travelers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck, a trusted traveler program, enjoy expedited screening. PreCheck passengers do not need to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets and can keep laptops and liquids in their bags.Arrival at the Gate After they are through with security procedures, they proceed to a departure gate to begin their flight.
Additional Security Measures Facial Recognition & Real ID: Some airports are also introducing facial recognition systems to accelerate the boarding process and tighten security by confirming the identity of travelers. Facial recognition technology also comes with the Real ID Act, which applies to particular identification, and that applies to domestic trips, which will necessitate a driver’s license or state identification in order to fulfill certain security requirements.
Post-Security Check After clearing security, passengers are free to go to their gate and wait for a boarding call. All cleared carry-on that’s flagged for additional security checking will be inspected and subsequently turned back to the passenger.
