In a long-awaited move, the TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints starting in late 2025. This change marks a major step toward a smoother, faster screening process for millions of passengers, ending a rule in place since 2006 following a failed shoe bomb attempt.
TSA Ends Shoe Removal Rule at Airports: A Major Win for U.S. Travelers
In a move widely welcomed by American travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced it will end the long-standing requirement for passengers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints. This change, effective in late 2025, is expected to streamline the travel experience and reduce airport wait times across the country.
The rule, in place since 2006, was initially implemented following the 2001 “shoe bomber” incident, where a terrorist attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his footwear aboard a transatlantic flight. The response became one of the most universally disliked policies in post-9/11 travel.
🛫 Background: Why the Shoe Removal Rule Was Introduced
The mandatory shoe removal rule stemmed from concerns over concealed explosives, following the attempted attack by Richard Reid in December 2001. Reid, later dubbed the “shoe bomber,” attempted to ignite explosives inside his shoes aboard a flight from Paris to Miami.
By 2006, TSA made it mandatory for most air travelers to remove their shoes during screening. While those enrolled in TSA PreCheck, seniors, and children were later granted exceptions, the policy remained in place for the majority of domestic passengers.
🔧 Why Is the Rule Ending in 2025?
The TSA says the end of the shoe removal rule is thanks to new advanced screening technology, including:
- Computed Tomography (CT) scanners
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based threat detection systems
- Enhanced imaging and biometric verification tools
According to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, “Today’s technology is more precise, more efficient, and far less disruptive than the manual methods we relied on two decades ago. Our goal is to maintain the highest level of security while improving the passenger experience.”
🚀 What Will Change at Airport Security?
Here’s what passengers can expect once the new policy is implemented:
- No need to remove shoes during standard security screening
- TSA PreCheck passengers remain unaffected, as they already benefit from expedited screening
- Children under 12 and adults over 75 will still be exempt from shoe removal
- Shoes may still be inspected manually if they trigger a scanner alert
- New scanners will automatically detect threats within footwear
The policy will roll out in phases starting September 2025, with major airports like LAX, JFK, ATL, and O’Hare among the first to receive the upgraded equipment.
🙌 Public Reaction: Relief and Praise
Frequent flyers and travel industry professionals have applauded the move, calling it a long-overdue step toward modernization.
“I’ve been flying for 20 years, and the shoe rule has always been the most annoying part of security,” said Lauren Michaels, a consultant who travels weekly. “It sounds small, but it’s a huge time-saver and way more hygienic.”
On social media, hashtags like #ShoesOn, #TSA2025, and #TravelUpgrade trended as travelers expressed relief over the new rules.
🧠 The Future of Airport Security: AI and Efficiency
The elimination of the shoe removal rule reflects a broader transformation in airport security strategy. TSA has been investing in touchless technology, biometrics, and AI-powered screening systems designed to both enhance safety and reduce passenger frustration.
Some other expected innovations include:
- No need to remove laptops or liquids in carry-on bags
- Automated ID scanning and facial recognition
- Real-time threat analysis powered by machine learning
This shift toward a risk-based, data-driven approach is not only more accurate but significantly more efficient.
🏁 Conclusion: A Step Toward Smarter Travel
The end of mandatory shoe removal at TSA checkpoints marks a significant milestone in the evolution of American air travel. For the first time in nearly 20 years, passengers will be able to move through security lines without the extra hassle, making travel less stressful and more seamless.
As TSA continues to implement next-generation screening technology, this move is just one of many anticipated improvements designed to bring security into the future—without sacrificing convenience.
For millions of travelers, the phrase “please remove your shoes” will soon become a thing of the past.