July 10, 2025, 12:13 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Waiting in Line, Laptop Out–and Shoes Off? At Least the Latter Will Soon Be a Thing of the Past for Air Travelers in the U.S. But What’s Behind the Decision to Abolish One of the Most Hated Airport Rules?
At U.S. airports, the requirement to remove shoes during security checks will soon be lifted. The measure aims to speed up checks and improve the travel experience, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The rule was introduced following an incident in December 2001.
Overview
End of the Shoe Removal Rule at U.S. Airports
Passengers in the United States will no longer have to comply with one of the most controversial security check regulations: removing their shoes. The measure, often considered bothersome by tourists, is being abolished. This was officially announced by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“The abolition of the ‘shoe removal’ rule is intended to modernize and improve the travel experience at the country’s airports,” Noem said, according to a statement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for security checks. According to Noem, this change will significantly reduce wait times at TSA checkpoints. At the same time, the overall travel experience is expected to become more pleasant.
Exceptions for Increased Security Needs
However, the new regulation does not apply universally. As Noem explained to NBC News, exceptions remain for individuals subject to additional security checks. “For passengers who must undergo additional security screenings, the rule does not apply,” Noem said. Nevertheless, according to the secretary, most travelers will be able to keep their shoes on during the check in the future.
Security Check with Historical Background
The origin of the rule dates back to an event in December 2001. At that time, British citizen Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami. The attack was thwarted by the intervention of passengers and crew. Reid was later identified as an al-Qaida terrorist.
Five years after the incident, the TSA introduced the mandatory measure requiring all passengers to remove their shoes during security checks. CNN reported that this was justified by intelligence findings indicating a continued threat, particularly after a foiled plot in August 2006, in which terrorists attempted to use liquid explosives on transatlantic flights.
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New Technology Makes Rule Obsolete
Since the measure was introduced about two decades ago, security technology has advanced significantly. “In the 20 years since this regulation was introduced, security technology has dramatically changed and evolved,” Noem said. She pointed to the use of modern scanners and the expansion of security forces in sensitive areas at airports.
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Electronic Devices Remain a Focus for U.S. Authorities
Despite the relaxation of security checks, entering the U.S. with electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops remains sensitive (TRAVELBOOK reported). Border officers are allowed to search electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, and cameras upon entry.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the searches are conducted to detect and combat terrorist activities, child pornography, drug, human, and cash smuggling, human trafficking, violations of export controls and intellectual property rights, as well as visa fraud.
With material from dpa