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Airports across the United States will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes during security checks. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that the "shoes-off" policy, which has been in place for decades, is ending nationwide immediately. This change is part of a broader overhaul of TSA procedures.
Previously, only passengers over 75 and children under 13 were exempt from removing their shoes. Those enrolled in trusted passenger programs like TSA Precheck and CLEAR also enjoyed this privilege. Now, nearly all passengers can keep their shoes on regardless of age or program enrollment, although travelers selected for extra screenings will still need to remove them. The change is made possible by advancements in security technology and REAL ID compliance requirements.
The shoe removal requirement was unique to the U.S., often confusing international travelers and slowing down the security process. This move aligns American airport security more closely with other countries.
