A longstanding rule that once defined airport security in the United States is being quietly phased out. According to multiple reports, passengers at select major US airports are no longer required to remove their shoes during standard TSA screening — a rule in place since the early 2000s after the infamous “shoe bomber” incident.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has not officially announced the change, but sources confirmed the relaxed protocol is already in effect at several major airports. While the rule change has sparked curiosity and debate, TSA insists it remains committed to maintaining high-security standards while enhancing the travel experience.
Where is the shoe removal rule being dropped?
- Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
- Fort Lauderdale International (FLL)
- Portland International (PDX)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
- Philadelphia International (PHL)
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in North Carolina
While the change hasn’t been formally announced, multiple sources familiar with the matter confirmed the new policy is being implemented selectively.
Why was shoe removal required in the first place?
The origins of the shoe-removal policy date back to December 2001, when Richard Reid, a British national now known as the “shoe bomber”, attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami.
Although the attempt was foiled by crew and passengers, it exposed a glaring vulnerability in aviation security. In response:
- TSA introduced voluntary shoe removal in 2002.
- By 2006, it became mandatory at all US airports.
For nearly two decades, removing shoes became a ritual of American air travel — often viewed as a necessary nuisance. But in recent years, the policy has come under scrutiny as security technology has advanced.
Why is the rule changing now?
According to officials cited by CBS News and the New York Times, TSA has quietly allowed the rule to expire at certain locations as part of efforts to:
- Streamline airport security for standard passengers.
- Leverage new scanning technologies that can detect threats without requiring shoe removal.
- Improve passenger experience without compromising safety.
A TSA spokesperson said the agency and the Department of Homeland Security are “always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.”
Still, the agency has been cautious. TSA noted that any updates to the security process will be announced through official channels, indicating the current rollbacks may be part of a gradual pilot program.
Is this change permanent? And will it expand?
As of now, there’s no nationwide timeline for when — or if — the rule will be dropped across all airports. However, industry insiders cited by CBS News suggest more airports may adopt the change quietly over the next few weeks.
The piecemeal rollout could reflect:
- A test of public response.
- Evaluation of new screening equipment’s effectiveness.
- A desire to avoid drawing attention to potential security vulnerabilities during the transition.
If successful, the rule change could mark one of the most significant relaxations of airport security procedures in nearly 20 years.
What about other TSA rules—could they change too?
While shoe removal may be going away for some, other airport security measures remain firmly in place. These include:
- Removing laptops and liquids at standard security checkpoints.
- Personal ID verification and body scanning.
- Random bag checks or secondary screening for certain passengers.
However, with TSA and DHS openly talking about modernizing security and “innovating” the travel experience, travelers may see more automation, biometrics, and AI-powered systems introduced in the near future — potentially making security faster, safer, and less invasive.
What should passengers do before heading to the airport?
To avoid confusion and frustration, travelers should check the current TSA guidelines for their specific departure airport. Since this policy shift is not universal, it’s safest to:
- Wear easy-to-remove shoes until your airport is confirmed to have dropped the rule.
- Review airport or airline websites for updated screening procedures.
- Arrive early, especially if flying from an airport not listed among those relaxing the rule.
