Travel Just Got Easier: TSA Ends Shoes-Off Rule
Travel Just Got Easier: TSA Ends Shoes-Off Rule
Update: You can keep your shoes on, but footwear that sets off an alarm can still mean extra screening. Here’s what to know before you pick your travel shoes.
End to “Shoes-off” Policy
As of July 2025, travelers passing through TSA security checkpoints in U.S. airports no longer need to remove their shoes during screening. This change, officially announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is now fully in effect and already making a difference for passengers.
The update is part of DHS’s broader effort to modernize and simplify the airport experience. Thanks to advanced screening technology and TSA’s multi-layered security approach, passengers can expect shorter wait times and a smoother checkpoint process—without compromising safety.
Since its launch in July, travelers have already reported quicker, more convenient security screenings. For anyone deciding between TSA PreCheck and Clear, it also means keeping your shoes on is no longer a reason to pick PreCheck. The end of the “shoes-off” requirement joins a series of recent improvements, including expedited access for service members and their families as well as the ongoing implementation of REAL ID, which has already achieved high compliance rates nationwide.
This marks an important step toward creating a more efficient and traveler-friendly experience across America’s airports.
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