TSA to Begin Phasing Out Shoe Removal Requirement

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to begin phasing out the longstanding requirement for passengers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints.
According to CBS News, the change will start at select airports, including Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Portland International, Philadelphia International, and Piedmont Triad International in North Carolina.
Although the TSA has not formally announced the policy change, the agency confirmed in a press release on Monday that it is “exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged the initiative in a post on X, writing, “Big news from [the Department of Homeland Security]!” in response to a report about the policy change.
The policy requiring shoe removal was implemented in 2006 following a failed 2001 attempt by a passenger to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes while on a flight from Paris to Miami. The man, Richard Reid, had 10 ounces of explosive materials in his shoes.
While TSA PreCheck members are exempt from this requirement, the effort to remove it for all passengers represents the federal government’s attempt to reduce passenger inconvenience nationwide.
A TSA spokesperson told The New York Times, “TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture. Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”