Passengers Now DON’T Have To Remove Shoes At US Airports; TSA Finally Drops Their ‘Shoes-Off’ Policy

Good news for travellers in the US! You will no longer be required to remove your shoes during the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening process, as announced by the government of the United States. The ‘shoes-off’ policy, which was introduced nearly two decades ago, will no longer be considered necessary. Here are more details on it.

TSA Ends ‘Shoes-Off’ Policy After Nearly 20 Years

In a major change, the US government has finally put a stop to the rule that required passengers to remove their shoes during airport security checks. As per an official announcement on X, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Tuesday that the rule, made mandatory nearly two decades ago, will no longer be needed. The change is effective immediately across all US airports. This surely comes as a relief for passengers who found it a complete hassle to remove their shoes during security checks.

As per The Economic Times, the decision follows a pilot programme that showed the Transportation Security Administration now has the necessary equipment to maintain security standards without asking passengers to take off their shoes. Kristi Noem also said that most Americans will be excited to hear about this rule as it will make security checks much more streamlined and smooth.

Also Read: 7 Hacks To Get Through Airport Security Faster In The Era Of Long Queues

Rule Introduced After 2001 Shoe Bomber Incident

However, it should also be noted that though the rule is now effective, TSA agents will still be allowed to request shoe removal if additional screening is needed. As per ET, the practice of shoe removal during security checks began in the mid-2000s after Richard Reid, also known as the ‘Shoe Bomber’, attempted to detonate hidden explosives in his shoes. He was travelling to Paris from Miami in 2001. The rule, made mandatory after that, applied to all passengers aged between 12 to 75.

Until now, only passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck could avoid removing their shoes. The programme allows faster security screening without removing shoes, belts, or light jackets. The programme, which costs around $80 (₹6,858 approx.), remains valid for five years. As per the reports, this programme will continue. However, travellers using the standard screening lanes must still place items like jackets and electronics on the conveyor belt.

This new rule, now in effect across all US airports, aims to reduce wait times and improve the overall passenger experience. TSA is also reviewing additional screening measures. In recent years, they have also started using facial recognition to enhance identity verification at airports. After the 9/11 attacks, TSA also replaced private security contractors with federal employees to handle screening.

Also Read: Here’s Why You Might Not Have To Remove Your Smart Phones By Year End At Airport Security Checks!

This new rule might make security checks at US airports a lot smoother. It may offer a bit of respite in a process which already sees long queues. What do you think of this decision taken by TSA? Let us know.

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