Map Shows States With Airports No Longer Requiring People to Remove Shoes
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Passengers flying in the United States at certain airports are no longer required to take off their shoes when going through security lines, according to news outlets including CBS News and The New York Times on Monday.
Newsweek reached out to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The practice of requiring airline passengers to remove their shoes at checkpoints has frequently drawn complaints due to inconvenience, slower processing lines and perceived burdens on travelers.
Passengers have widely reported frustration with the policy, citing discomfort and delays caused by the procedure during security checks. The policy change could speed up security lines and make air travel more convenient and less burdensome for millions of U.S. travelers each year.
The TSA introduced the shoe removal rule in 2006, following the 2001 attempted bombing by Richard Reid, who tried to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes during a trans-Atlantic American Airlines flight, the Times reports. The incident led to the agency's heightened focus on screening footwear for concealed threats, a measure that quickly became a staple of post-9/11 airport security procedures across the U.S.
Flyers with TSA PreCheck or a "known traveler number" do not have to take their shoes off, allowing them to bypass the security protocol at all domestic airports.
Young travelers can be seen removing their shoes for security screening at Los Angeles International Airport on August 29, 2003. (Photo by)
Young travelers can be seen removing their shoes for security screening at Los Angeles International Airport on August 29, 2003. (Photo by)
What To Know
According to CBS News, citing two sources familiar with the change, the new protocol is taking place in phases. The airports where the shoe rule will first be lifted are as follows: Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Portland International Airport (PDX), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI).
CBS also notes that correspondents traveling through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and New York City's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) did not have to take their shoes off Monday night.
The Times reports the change was first flagged in Gate Access, by Caleb Harmon-Marshall.
Harmon-Marshall said in his newsletter, in part: "This would be one of the biggest changes to TSA screening in over a decade and could dramatically reshape the airport experience as we know it. While the agency hasn't confirmed anything publicly yet, internal sources say updated guidance has already started circulating to TSA officers nationwide. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are reportedly being revised, with some officers being trained on when shoes can still trigger secondary screening."
He added that he thinks the timing is due to "politics." Harmon-Marshall says he is a former federal security officer in his bio.
REAL ID is also officially in effect for travelers in the United States. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that over 80 percent of travelers were compliant as of May, during a congressional hearing.
What People Are Saying
A TSA spokesman to the Times: "T.S.A. and D.H.S. are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture."
The spokesman added, "Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels."
Charlie Kirk, CEO and founder of conservative Turning Point USA on X, formerly Twitter, Monday: "No more taking off shoes at the airport. Now let's privatize/abolish the TSA. Well done @Sec_Noem and President Trump!"
What Happens Next
The TSA has not specified a nationwide implementation date or confirmed when further guidance will be issued.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor official TSA announcements before future flights to confirm the latest screening procedures at their departure airport.
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