TSA Eases Shoe Removal Rule at Select U.S. Airports

After nearly two decades of requiring passengers to remove their shoes during security screenings, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is beginning to roll back the policy at select airports across the country. The TSA will now allow travelers to keep their shoes on when passing through general security lines at several major airports. The change, which took effect Sunday, was announced in a memo sent to TSA officers nationwide last week.

The policy shift marks a significant change to a rule in place since 2006, originally implemented following the failed 2001 shoe bomb attempt by passenger Richard Reid on a transatlantic flight.

The initial rollout of the relaxed screening process includes airports such as Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Portland International, Philadelphia International, and Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina. Additionally, passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York City’s LaGuardia Airport reported not having to remove their shoes as of Monday night.

It remains unclear when the new policy will be implemented at Houston’s major airports. Representatives from Houston Airports on Tuesday said questions regarding the timeline for George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Hobby Airport should be directed to the TSA. However, Houston Airports noted that IAH is already equipped with advanced screening machines that allow passengers to leave laptops and tablets in their carry-on bags during inspection.

Previously, only travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck were allowed to keep their shoes on during screening. The broader policy update aims to speed up passenger movement through security checkpoints while maintaining existing safety measures. Passengers will still be required to pass through full-body scanners, and if any alarms are triggered, additional screening will be conducted.