TSA begins phasing out shoe removal requirement in U.S. airports
News | By Easton Martin | July 8, 2025
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun easing its long-standing requirement that travelers remove their shoes during airport security screenings. As of July 7, 2025, passengers at several major airports can now keep their shoes on in standard screening lanes, a shift driven by advancements in screening technology and a renewed focus on efficiency.
The change applies at Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Portland International, Philadelphia International, and Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina. In addition, passengers at Los Angeles International and New York’s LaGuardia Airport were observed passing through security without removing their shoes on the same day.
This marks a significant departure from a policy introduced in 2006 following the 2001 attempted shoe bombing. Previously, only TSA PreCheck members, children under 12, seniors over 75, and those with medical exemptions were allowed to keep their shoes on during screening.
According to the TSA, the relaxed rule is possible due to upgrades in scanning equipment capable of detecting threats without requiring footwear removal. However, officers still have discretion to request shoe removal if additional screening is necessary. The goal is to reduce wait times while maintaining high security standards.
Although the policy is currently limited to select airports, a broader rollout is expected in the coming months. Until then, travelers should still be prepared to remove their shoes at airports not yet participating in the update.
