TSA Ends Mandatory Shoe Removal At Airport Security

Photo: TSA

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a major shift to airport security protocol, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has ended the long-standing requirement for most passengers to remove their shoes at U.S. airport checkpoints. The change, effective immediately, was announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on July 8.

The rule, in place since 2006, was initially implemented in response to a 2001 attempted bombing by Richard Reid, known as the “shoe bomber,” who tried to ignite explosives hidden in his footwear aboard a flight from Paris to Miami.

Noem said the updated policy reflects the significant advances in screening technology over the past two decades. “Our enhanced capabilities now allow us to maintain rigorous security standards without requiring every traveler to remove their shoes,” she said.

Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck have long been exempt from the shoe removal rule, along with other expedited screening measures such as keeping laptops in bags.

The airline industry welcomed the move. Airlines for America, which represents major carriers including American, Delta, and United, issued a statement calling the change “welcome news to the millions of people who fly every day.” The group added that basing security procedures on updated threat assessments and technology is a “commonsense approach to policy change.”

The decision marks one of the most significant changes to airport screening since the TSA was established in the wake of the September 11 attacks.