TSA Ends 20-Year Shoe Removal Rule at Multiple US Airports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is phasing out the long-standing requirement for passengers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings, a policy in place since 2006 after the attempted shoe bombing by Richard Reid. This change, confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and implemented under the Trump administration, is facilitated by advancements in screening technology that allow threats to be detected without removing footwear. The new policy has begun rolling out at select U.S. airports, including Baltimore/Washington, Fort Lauderdale, and Los Angeles International, and is expected to expand nationwide, speeding up the security process for travelers. While TSA officers may still request shoe removal in specific cases, the change aims to enhance passenger experience without compromising security. The shift also narrows the gap between standard screening and TSA PreCheck benefits, potentially affecting the expedited screening program. Officials emphasize that this update reflects improved threat detection capabilities and ongoing efforts to balance security with convenience.