TSA Ends Shoe Removal Rule At US Airports

Airline passengers in the US will no longer be required to remove their shoes during airport security checks, following a nationwide policy change announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The new rule, effective immediately, brings an end to a security measure that has been in place for nearly two decades.

Originally implemented in 2006, the policy followed an incident in which British national Richard Reid, later known as the "shoe bomber," attempted to detonate explosives hidden in a shoe on a Paris-to-Miami flight. The measure was also impacted by the September 11 attacks. While the removal of shoes will no longer be mandatory, passengers must still remove belts and coats and take laptops and liquids out of bags, though these requirements are currently under review.

"It's important we find ways to keep people safe, but also streamline and make the process much more enjoyable for every single person." Secretary Noem said in a statement. Prior to the official directive, airports such as Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina had begun adopting the updated procedure. Previously, exemptions applied to children and those enrolled in TSA PreCheck, a fast-track screening program requiring a formal application and biometric data.