Traveling in the U.S. Without Removing Shoes: New TSA Screening Policy Change

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the end of the well-known policy requiring passengers to remove their shoes when passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. Starting July 8, 2025, travelers will be allowed to keep their shoes on during the inspection process at domestic airports.

This change aims to streamline the flow at security checkpoints, reduce wait times, and improve the overall passenger experience without compromising safety standards.

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What is the change?

The elimination of the “Shoes-Off” measure means passengers will no longer have to remove their shoes when going through security scanners at U.S. airports. This new policy applies nationwide and is valid for commercial flights departing from airports under TSA jurisdiction.

Goals of the new protocol

According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, this decision is part of DHS’s broader efforts to modernize airport screening. The main goals include:

• Reducing wait times at checkpoints
• Enhancing traveler experience through more efficient processes
• Maintaining high levels of security through the use of new technologies

The change is made possible by technological advancements and a layered security approach, which includes checks such as identity authentication and real-time threat detection systems.

Which security measures remain in place?

Although shoe removal is no longer required, other security procedures remain active, such as:

• Identity verification
• Matching passengers to watchlists through the Secure Flight program
• Automated systems for detecting prohibited items

This means the elimination of the shoe removal policy does not equate to relaxed security, but rather an optimization based on risk analysis and enhanced inspection tools.

Recent TSA changes

This announcement adds to other recent measures implemented by the TSA in recent months:

• “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” (July 2025): A program offering special benefits to active-duty military personnel and their families, including discounts for TSA PreCheck and expedited access at selected airports.
• REAL ID Implementation (May 2025): A new requirement for more secure identification at airports, with a nationwide compliance rate of 94%.

What does this mean for travelers?

With this update, passengers can expect a smoother experience going through security checkpoints, especially during peak hours and high travel seasons. It also marks another step toward the modernization of U.S. airports, prioritizing both user comfort and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The end of the shoe removal policy at airports is a significant change in air travel security protocols in the United States. Thanks to new technologies and more precise screening strategies, this adjustment aims to maintain security while improving the traveler experience.

For more information on updated regulations and procedures, it is recommended to visit the official TSA website: tsa.gov.

From: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/08/dhs-end-shoes-travel-policy 

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