Measure announced by the internal security department has been in place for almost two decades in security controls for almost two decades
(Transport Security Administration) from the United States ended the requirement to remove shoe during safety checks at US airports. The announcement was made at a press conference by the Secretary of the Department of Internal Security, on Tuesday (8.Jul.2025) in Arlington, Virginia. Read the department statement about the ad (PDF – 68kb)
The new policy began to be implemented nationally on the same date at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington. The measure end an end to a practice that had been in force for almost two decades at US airports, and forced most travelers to take their shoes during safety inspection.
TSA implemented the shoe removal policy in August 2006, almost 5 years after the September 11 attacks and after Richard Reid, known as “shoe bomber”He tried to light explosive devices hidden on his shoes during a Paris flight to Miami.
The decision to end the measure was made thanks to advances in technology and security processes. These enhancements allow you to maintain protection patterns without the need to remove shoes at airports in most cases.
“We hope this change dramatically decreases the passenger’s waiting time at our TSA control posts, leading to a more pleasant and efficient experience for passengers”said Noem.
During the press conference, the secretary also added: “We are very confident that we can continue to provide hospitality to people, American travelers, and those who visit our country, maintaining the same security pattern for passengers and our homeland.”
However, he explained that some individuals can still be asked to remove their shoes “If we think there are additional necessary screening layers”.
TSA launched the program “Prefeck” In 2013, which was already exempt from its members of shoe removal, as well as children under 12 and adults and 75 years or older. On the impact of the new policy on this program, the secretary said: “I believe that Impheck will still be something that many travelers will want to use, because when they have TSA accurate, they don’t have to take off their belt or coat or remove things from their luggage, such as permitted laptops or liquids.”
The internal security department reported that other aspects of TSA’s security process will remain unchanged for most travelers. Passengers will continue subject to other procedures: “For example, passengers should still go through the identity check, assessment of Secure Flight and other processes.”
