Passengers granted permission to retain footwear during airport security screenings in the United States.

Passengers granted permission to retain footwear during airport security screenings in the United States.

In a significant move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing delays, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that passengers at many U.S. airports will no longer be required to remove their shoes during security screening. This change, which takes effect on July 13, 2025, comes as a result of advancements in screening technology and a multi-layered security approach.

The shoe removal policy at airport security was implemented in August 2006, almost five years after the 9/11 attacks. This measure was introduced following an attempted terrorist attack by Richard Reid in December 2001, who tried to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami. However, the incident on the American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami resulted in the explosives failing to detonate.

Since then, the policy remained in place for nearly two decades, despite some exemptions for certain groups such as children under 12 and seniors over 75. Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck were also allowed to keep their shoes on during screening.

The recent decision by the TSA to loosen footwear checks is a step towards alleviating some of the stress associated with airport security for passengers. Many passengers have found baring their feet or socks an embarrassing thing to do, and the shoe removal process has been a source of inconvenience due to its impact on safety procedures when boarding flights. Removing shoes slows down the security process, especially for footwear that is laced or buckled rather than slip-on.

This policy shift reflects evolving airport security technologies and a continuing effort to balance safety with passenger convenience. The TSA's decision is part of a larger effort by the US aviation sector to improve efficiency and reduce delays, following years of glitches, safety concerns, and mass disruption due to extreme weather events.

In addition, the federal budget plans have been approved to fund a long-campaigned for upgrade to air traffic control technology, which is intended to further enhance safety and efficiency in the aviation sector.

It is worth noting that the change in policy is not without its challenges. Those with physical differences and neurodivergences can find the shoe removal process particularly problematic. However, the TSA has emphasised that passengers will only be asked to remove their footwear if they trigger a scanner at the security checkpoint.

Some airports, such as New York's LaGuardia and Los Angeles International, have already started allowing passengers to pass through security with their shoes still on, a week early. This policy change means that more people will be able to experience a more seamless journey, something until now reserved for TSA PreCheck-approved passengers.

In summary, the TSA's decision to loosen footwear checks is a significant step forward in improving the passenger experience while maintaining security standards. The change comes at a time when the US aviation sector is under pressure to find efficiencies and reduce delays, and reflects the ongoing efforts to balance safety with passenger convenience.

1. The federal budget plans have been approved to fund an upgrade to air traffic control technology, which aims to further enhance safety, efficiency, and the overall lifestyle for travelers in the aviation sector.
2. The recent decision by the TSA to loosen footwear checks is a part of a larger effort by the US aviation sector to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and provide a seamless journey for more passengers, similar to the experience of TSA PreCheck-approved travelers.
3. With the shoe removal policy no longer required, passengers can now plan their budgets more effectively, as they no longer need to factor in extra time for the removing and reapplying of shoes during airport security checks, thus potentially reducing stress and inconvenience associated with weather-related airport delays.

Read also: