The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially announced the end of its long-standing requirement for airline passengers to remove their shoes while passing through security checkpoints — a major shift in U.S. airport screening procedures.
“We have some very exciting news to announce,” a TSA spokesperson said on Tuesday. “Starting today, travelers will no longer be required to remove their shoes when going through our security checkpoints.”
The no-shoes policy, first implemented in the early 2000s in response to attempted shoe bombings, has long been a point of frustration for frequent flyers. TSA officials say the change is made possible by upgraded screening technology that can now effectively detect prohibited items and threats without the need for shoe removal.
The updated protocol will be rolled out immediately at major airports and expanded to all TSA checkpoints nationwide over the coming weeks. Exceptions may still apply for select high-risk screenings or unusual footwear that triggers an alert.
Travelers are still required to remove belts, jackets, and electronic devices unless enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program. However, the agency says this latest update is part of a broader effort to modernize airport security while improving passenger experience.
