TSA Lets You Keep Your Shoes On at Security

In a surprising yet welcomed shift in airport security protocol, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) is putting an end to the long-standing. (TSA) shoes-off policy at major U.S. airports. This shoe removal rule, in place since 2006, required travelers to take off their shoes during general security screenings , a routine that became symbolic of post-9/11 security measures.

According to an internal memo obtained by ABC News, the agency will now allow passengers to keep their footwear on during screening technology processes at many airports. The rollout began on Sunday, July 7, 2025, and is expected to expand across TSA checkpoints throughout the country.

While this update may seem minor, it reflects a broader evolution in TSA’s security methods blending advanced imaging technology with improved passenger experience.

Let’s break down what this means for you as a traveler, what led to this change, and how it connects to larger concerns that law firms like Ted Law are prepared to help you navigate.

A Brief History of the Shoes-Off Policy

The shoe removal policy started in 2006, five years after Richard Reid, known as the shoe bomber, attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his footwear on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami. Thanks to alert airline passengers and crew, the attack was stopped. However, it led to a wave of restrictive security rules.

The TSA, formed in response to 9/11, enforced a slew of security regulations, including the liquid rule, carry-on baggage restrictions, and mandatory shoe removal. Over the years, this became one of the most loathed requirements among frequent travelers.

Why Is the Rule Being Changed Now?

The change reflects years of exploring new and innovative ways to balance safety with efficiency. With the introduction of millimeter wave and advanced imaging technology, as well as smarter scanning equipment, TSA now feels confident enough to relax the shoes-off policy.

This policy change follows record travel surges , more than 3 million travelers passed through TSA checkpoints on May 7, 2025, according to data. Reducing unnecessary delays in security lines has become a key part of TSA’s evolving security posture.

Now, unless a traveler sets off a metal detector or magnetometer, shoe removal is no longer required in security screenings. However, secondary screening may still involve shoe issue checks.

What About TSA PreCheck and Trusted Traveler Programs?

Before this update, TSA PreCheck members enjoyed the perk of expedited screening, including the ability to bypass shoe removal. Now, non-members benefit from this streamlined passenger screening too.

While the PreCheck service still offers value through shorter lines and less intrusive checks, its most visible benefit has now been extended to all. Programs like trusted traveler programs and REAL ID compliance still offer extra advantages during airport security screenings.

Who Still Needs to Remove Their Shoes?

If you trigger an alert in screening technology, such as a metal detector, millimeter wave AIT portals, or x-ray screening, you may still be asked to remove your shoes. This is part of TSA’s risk-based intelligence-driven security.

TSA officers will continue to make calls at their screeners’ discretion, meaning individual security checks may vary by TSA checkpoint, airport, or even time of day.

For example, passengers at locations like Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, or Philadelphia International Airport may experience slightly different security experiences during rollout.

Many travelers are relieved to keep their footwear on, while others question the shift. Will this impact aviation security? Can security measures without shoe removal remain effective?

Questions like these matter. Changes in security policies often carry implications for your rights and raise concerns about racial profiling, suspicious activity, and access control.

At Ted Law Firm, we help people understand their rights during travel, particularly when changes in TSA procedures lead to confusion, detainment, or worse. If you’ve ever been unfairly treated by a TSA agent, you may need legal counsel.

New Technology and Policy Updates

This isn’t just about comfort , it’s about how screening technology, electronic devices, and the entire aviation ecosystem evolve. TSA is relying on x-ray belt efficiency, better checked baggage systems, and real-time detection through metal parts scans.

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If your life has been turned upside down by someone’s reckless or criminal behavior, you don’t have to face it alone. Our legal team is committed to helping you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.. Your recovery starts with Ted Law.

Ted Sink | Founder & CEO of Ted Law Firm
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Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.

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