Key points
- Change aims to improve travel without compromising safety
- Layered security, identity checks will still remain
- Rule originated after 2001 shoe bomber incident
ISLAMABAD: After nearly twenty years, air passengers in the United States will no longer be required to remove their shoes during airport security checks.
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, announced on Tuesday that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would be scrapping the rule “with immediate effect,” according to CNN.
NEWS: DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy
More details: https://t.co/n0coGDIr2x pic.twitter.com/7gw2Wp3N5g— TSA (@TSA) July 8, 2025
“TSA will no longer require travellers to take off their shoes at security checkpoints,” she said. “Our aim is to improve the travel experience while maintaining safety and ensuring people remain protected.”
“Our approach is based on layered security,” Noem added. “Passengers will still undergo several stages of screening, including identity verification.”
Shoe bomber
The rule had been under review during the Biden administration, but Noem credited former President Trump with initiating its removal.
She also noted that other TSA regulations are currently under consideration for revision, provided any changes can be implemented safely.
The original rule stemmed from an attempted terrorist attack in December 2001, when Richard Reid – later dubbed the “shoe bomber” – tried to ignite explosives hidden in his footwear on a flight from Paris to Miami using matches.
The requirement for passengers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints was not formally introduced until nearly five years later, due to “intelligence pointing to a continuing threat,” according to TSA’s official history.
Foiled terrorist plot
This followed the foiled terrorist plot in August 2006 to detonate liquid explosives aboard transatlantic flights, which also led to the introduction of the 3-1-1 liquids rule for hand luggage.
“In the two decades since that policy was introduced, our security technology has advanced significantly. TSA has evolved,” said Noem, highlighting the use of advanced scanners and increased staffing at some locations.
She also referenced the REAL ID compliance programme, which adds another layer of security by verifying the identities of travellers at checkpoints.
Members of the Trusted Traveler Programme, TSA PreCheck, have long been exempt from removing their shoes, although enrolment requires a background check and an application fee. Despite the rule change, Noem said she believes many passengers will still find value in the PreCheck programme.
