Keep Your Shoes On at TSA

2025-07-19
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| Senior LifeStyle, Travel

Traveler walking through TSA checkpoint with CT scanner and advanced imaging tech, highlighting new policy allowing shoes to stay onTSA Shoe Removal Policy Ends at Airport Checkpoints

The TSA shoe removal policy is officially coming to an end.

Travelers across the United States can breathe a collective sigh of relief. As of July 8, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer require passengers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings.

Read the official TSA news release here.

This long-anticipated shift marks a major milestone in modernizing the travel experience—something we at Roaming Boomers Travel Services enthusiastically welcome.

Why the Change?

The change to the TSA shoe removal policy comes on the heels of significant advancements in screening technology, including high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scanners for carry-on luggage and advanced imaging technology (AIT) for full-body scans. These tools detect threats more effectively—without requiring passengers to remove footwear.

Shoe removal became a standard policy after the 2001 “shoe bomber” incident. Although TSA PreCheck travelers have been exempt from the policy since 2013, this update now applies to all passengers.

What Travelers Can Expect

  • Faster Checkpoints: Keeping your shoes on means a quicker flow through security lines.
  • Fewer Bottlenecks: Travelers won’t need to stop and fumble with shoes or bins.
  • Occasional Exceptions: TSA officers may still ask some travelers to remove shoes for additional screening.

Middle-aged man putting on shoes after airport security screening with sign stating no need to remove shoes anymoreTechnology Is Leading the Way

This policy change underscores DHS’s confidence in advanced, tech-led screening. Modern CT scanners create detailed 3D scans of baggage, while full-body scanners detect anomalies without needing passengers to remove articles of clothing like shoes. The new TSA shoe removal policy reflects a smarter and more efficient screening process without sacrificing safety.

What’s Next?

The end of the TSA shoe removal policy may lead to broader reforms. DHS is now studying the potential relaxation of additional checkpoint rules, such as the 3-1-1 liquids guideline and belt removal. Travelers can expect further improvements in comfort, convenience, and speed in the near future.

Our Take

We’re excited to see TSA taking steps to reduce hassle for today’s travelers. Eliminating the shoe removal step not only saves time but also helps travelers with mobility limitations, families, and older passengers. This new TSA shoe removal policy is a small but meaningful improvement in the travel journey.

Planning a trip soon? With fewer delays and easier security checkpoints, now is a great time to get back out and explore the world.

For more information or to book a fun journey, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.

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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, Grok, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40

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