TSA plans to let travelers keep their shoes on at airport security
Travelers waiting in a long security line at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Allen J. Schaben | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
The Transportation Security Administration is set to allow many travelers to keep their shoes on at U.S. airport checkpoints, marking the end of a rule that has been in place for about 20 years, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The TSA briefed industry members about the upcoming change on Tuesday, as reported by the sources.
Since 2006, most passengers have been required to take off their shoes at U.S. airport security checkpoints. This rule was implemented by the TSA in response to intelligence indicating a persistent threat.
The decision came after the infamous “shoe bomber” incident involving Richard Reid, who attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001.
Travelers enrolled in the TSA’s PreCheck program are already allowed to keep their shoes on and leave laptops and other electronics in their bags during airport screenings.
An air traveler placing his shoes in a bin before going through TSA security check at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on February 20, 2014.
Robyn Beck | Afp | Getty Images
The TSA declined to provide a comment on the upcoming change, stating that they are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to improve the passenger experience while maintaining strong security measures. Any updates to the security process will be officially communicated through appropriate channels.
The news was initially reported by Caleb Harmon-Marshall, a former TSA officer who writes the Gate Access newsletter.
