After nearly two decades of asking passengers to remove their shoes at airport security, the United States government has officially scrapped the rule. The announcement was made Tuesday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a press briefing at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
The change marks a significant shift in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures, which have long been shaped by the memory of high-profile attempted attacks most notably the 2001 incident involving Richard Reid, infamously known as the “Shoe Bomber.”
Reid, an Al-Qaeda operative, attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a transatlantic American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001. He was overpowered by passengers before he could ignite the device and is currently serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison in the U.S.
The failed attack led to stricter screening policies worldwide, and by 2006, U.S. travelers were mandated to take off their shoes at TSA checkpoints, a practice that quickly became a defining part of airport routines.
Speaking at the press conference, Secretary Noem emphasized that modern security technology has advanced significantly since the policy’s inception. “Over the past 20 years, our security systems have evolved. TSA now operates with a multi-layered, government-wide approach to safety,” she stated. “We’re confident we can maintain strong security while also improving the travel experience for passengers.”
Although shoe removal is no longer required, the TSA confirmed that other security layers will still be in place. Travelers must continue to undergo identity checks, Secure Flight vetting, and other standard screening protocols.
The change is part of a broader review of airport security practices in light of technological advancements. In recent years, the TSA has introduced high-tech scanners and artificial intelligence tools to detect threats more efficiently without causing delays or discomfort for travelers.
The decision to ease this rule comes against the backdrop of heightened security since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In the years that followed, other plots like the foiled 2006 plan to detonate liquid explosives aboard transatlantic flights have prompted additional restrictions, including strict rules on carrying liquids, pastes, and gels.
While some of those measures remain, the elimination of mandatory shoe removal signals a step toward a more streamlined and passenger-friendly airport screening process, balancing both hospitality and homeland protection.
