TSA Shoes Airports: Good news for travelers. The rules about shoes at airports are changing thanks to the TSA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has decided that passengers will no longer have to take off their shoes during security checks at US airports. The changes started on July 7, 2025. Let’s get into it.
After 20+ years the TSA Shoes Airports rule is in effect. All passengers were required by TSA to remove their shoes during security screenings since 2006. The “shoe bomber” Richard Reid tried to hide a bomb in his shoes in 2001 which led to this rule. But the TSA says new technology has made it no longer necessary.
The TSA said in their statement that they are always looking for ways to improve the passenger experience. The new scanning equipment at TSA Shoes Airports made this possible. Without removing shoes these devices can detect hidden threats. This will speed up the security line and make it easier for travelers.
But not everyone is happy with this change. If shoes don’t have to be removed will security be compromised? The TSA says no. Their new equipment is more accurate than their old ones. But if a traveler can’t produce a REAL ID they may be asked to remove their shoes for further inspection.
Only a few airports have implemented this TSA Shoes Airports rule. On Monday passengers at Syracuse, New York’s Hancock International Airport didn’t have to remove their shoes. Same at Los Angeles International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The TSA says this will be rolled out to all US airports soon.
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This is good news for travelers. A lot of time was wasted in the security line due to the old TSA Shoes Airports policy. The line would slow down because people would remove and put back on their shoes. Now the line will move faster because of the new policy. This is especially good news for those who are not in TSA PreCheck.
TSA PreCheck members were already exempt from removing their shoes. This is a premium service that speeds up the process of getting through security. But now thanks to the new TSA Shoes Airports policy anyone can keep their shoes on even if they don’t have TSA PreCheck. Everyone will save time in the security line.
Richard Reid tried to hide a bomb in his shoes on an American Airlines flight in 2001. He failed but the TSA put in place strict rules. That included the TSA Shoes Airports policy. The TSA now says its new technology is so advanced that shoes don’t need to be removed for screening 24 years later.
There are questions about this change. Did they move too fast? The TSA hasn’t given out much information about its new policy on TSA Shoes Airports. But an internal memo says this has been in the works since Sunday. Some airports are already experiencing it.
For frequent flyers this is good news. You won’t have to deal with the hassle of removing and putting back on your shoes. But you may still have to remove your shoes if the scanner detects something weird. The TSA is clear that security is their top priority.
This should help with airport crowding. The old TSA Shoes Airports policy caused delays in security screening especially during peak hours. The line will move faster now with the new equipment and rules. The trip will be better for passengers and they will have to wait less.
Mark Phury is a dynamic sports enthusiast with a knack for capturing the thrill of the game. With 3 years at Hindustan Times, he delivers sharp, engaging stories that resonate with fans. Reach him at markphury@gmail.com for insights that score every time.