TSA Drops Shoe-Removal Rule at Select Airports
At more U.S. airports, travelers can now walk through security without removing their shoes. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is ending the shoes-off policy for many flyers, thanks to better scanning technology.
The policy change is already active at airports such as Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG), Portland (PDX), Philadelphia (PHL), and Piedmont Triad (PTI). Passengers at Los Angeles (LAX) and LaGuardia (LGA) also noted the same shift.
The rule began in 2006 after the attempted shoe bombing in 2001. For years, the TSA required all passengers to remove their footwear to prevent hidden threats. Now, updated equipment can scan shoes without needing passengers to take them off—unless a machine flags something suspicious.
A Department of Homeland Security official said, “We’re always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture.” The agency believes this change will speed up checkpoints while maintaining safety.
- Rollout underway at major airports across the U.S.
- TSA began the rule after a failed 2001 attack
- Passengers may still need to remove their shoes in some locations
- TSA will provide updates at Reagan National Airport at 5 pm ET
The White House confirmed the shift as part of broader travel updates. While more airports will follow, travelers should still prepare for traditional checks until the rollout finishes.
More…
