The days of removing your shoes at airport security checkpoints are now over for most travelers in the United States. On July 9, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the official end to the nearly two-decade-old policy requiring passengers to take off their shoes before passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening lines. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said this decision follows the rollout of advanced screening technologies nationwide, designed to enhance both security and passenger experience amid record-setting travel volumes.

Why Did the Shoes-Off Rule Exist?

The shoes-off policy was implemented in 2006 in response to the 2001 attempted shoe bombing by terrorist Richard Reid on an American Airlines flight. The rule quickly became a hallmark of post-9/11 security measures in the U.S. and was widely adopted—even as it became a frequent point of frustration for travelers. For nearly 20 years, travelers of all ages, except limited exemptions, were required to remove their footwear, leading to long lines and discomfort.

According to the TSA, this measure was considered an important deterrent against the smuggling of explosives in footwear and other hidden cavities. However, persistent criticism remained among business and leisure travelers who called the rule outdated, especially as technology advanced.

Tech Upgrades Prompt Policy Change

The removal of the shoes-off mandate is credited largely to the continued expansion of advanced security technologies at U.S. airports. In 2025, TSA completed the deployment of hundreds of computed tomography (CT) scanners that offer three-dimensional imaging, allowing officers to better detect potential threats inside shoes and carry-on bags without requiring physical removal or unpacking of belongings.

Additionally, improved millimeter-wave body scanners, explosives trace detection systems, and artificial intelligence-driven analytics now allow TSA to quickly and efficiently screen passengers for threats.

“The new generation of screening tools provides a much higher level of detection accuracy, which is why we are able to finally end this inconvenience,” said Secretary Noem. “We are committed to maintaining aviation security while also making air travel more comfortable and passenger-friendly.”

2025: A Record Year for Air Travel

The policy shift could not come at a more crucial time. The TSA recently reported that air travel volumes have surged to historic levels in 2025. Over the six days surrounding the July Fourth holiday, more than 18.5 million travelers passed through U.S. airports, with TSA seeing six of its ten busiest days ever this year. AAA predicts over 72 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this summer, and major airports such as Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O’Hare, and Los Angeles International are experiencing record congestion.

Amid this surge, travelers have increasingly demanded more efficient and less stressful screening procedures. TSA points to these changes as a direct response to growing traveler volumes, coupled with increasing technological capability.

How the New Policy Works

Effective immediately, the shoe removal requirement is waived for the vast majority of domestic travelers at major airports equipped with the newest CT, body scanners, and AI tools. At smaller airports or terminals still upgrading technology, traditional rules may remain temporarily in place, so it is important for travelers to check ahead if flying from a less-trafficked location.

Special screening protocols remain for certain cases: passengers in the PreCheck program will likely notice little change, as they were already exempt from most shoe removals; and security officers retain the authority to require shoe removal if a scan positively detects an anomaly requiring further investigation.

What Travelers Should Expect This Summer

• Shorter lines: With the shoes-off process no longer clogging security lanes, wait times are expected to drop, especially during peak holiday travel.
• Improved experience for families and older adults: The often-difficult process of removing and replacing footwear has been cited as a top complaint among senior citizens and families with young children.
• Enhanced security: TSA says the new scanning technology is not only faster, but better at detecting threats, providing both safety and convenience.

Nonetheless, TSA reminds passengers to continue following other regulations, such as the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, unless notified otherwise. (Notably, there are ongoing discussions at DHS regarding adjustments to the liquid container limit, leveraging new CT technology, but as of July 2025, the liquids rule remains in effect at most airports.)

Industry and Traveler Reactions

Travel industry groups and consumer advocates have widely praised the move, noting that the U.S. is now more closely aligned with security practices in the European Union and parts of Asia, where advanced screening technology has already allowed passengers to breeze through checkpoints with less hassle.

Melanie Fish, a spokesperson for Expedia, told ABC News: “This is a tremendous step forward for the U.S. travel experience. With so many Americans and international visitors passing through our airports, even small improvements to the checkpoint process can make a big impact.” Business travelers, for whom time is especially critical, have also signaled strong approval.

What’s Next for TSA Modernization?

TSA is continuing to roll out new innovations nationwide, including automated screening lanes, expanded use of biometric authentication, and advanced facial recognition systems. The agency has stated its commitment to balancing security and passenger convenience, with the aim to further simplify or remove outdated requirements.

Travel experts suggest passengers remain vigilant for up-to-date guidance from both TSA and airlines, as technology and regulations evolve rapidly. If you plan to fly, check your airport’s current security protocols, pack smartly, and allow for extra time at the checkpoint during the busy travel season.