TSA Ends Long-Hated Rule at Airports—Here’s What’s Changing

The federal government is finally ending a major airport hassle: taking your shoes off at security. The Trump administration has confirmed the requirement is being phased out across the country.

Key Facts:

The shoe removal rule began in 2006 after the 2001 “shoe bomber” incident.
The TSA has started phasing out the rule at six major U.S. airports, including Baltimore and Fort Lauderdale.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the change on July 9.
The move was first reported by Gate Access on July 4.
Only TSA PreCheck passengers were previously exempt from the shoe rule.

The Rest of The Story:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is removing one of the most unpopular requirements in air travel: removing shoes at airport checkpoints.

This rule, enforced since 2006, was meant to prevent incidents like the 2001 attempted bombing by Richard Reid, also known as the “shoe bomber.”

Starting at select airports—including Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Portland, and others—travelers will no longer have to take off their shoes while going through security.

“TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience,” said a TSA spokesman to the New York Times.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the news with a post on X saying, “Big news from [the Department of Homeland Security]!”

Big news from @DHSgov! ✈️👟 https://t.co/GJjd2UQMki

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) July 8, 2025

Commentary:

This is excellent news for American travelers.

For nearly two decades, passengers have been forced to remove their shoes—a policy that did little for real security but created endless inconvenience.

While the policy may have made sense in the wake of 9/11 and the failed shoe bombing, it’s long outlived its usefulness.

Technology has improved. Threat assessments have evolved. It’s time the policies did too.

Security lines will now move faster. Less fumbling with laces. Fewer personal items touching dirty airport floors.

For families, seniors, and people with disabilities, this change removes a frustrating obstacle.

It also helps reduce contact with unsanitary surfaces.

Walking barefoot or in socks through crowded security lanes never made much sense, especially in a post-pandemic world where hygiene awareness is higher.

By eliminating this outdated rule, the TSA is making air travel a bit more tolerable and efficient.

It’s a rare win for common sense in government policy.

It’s also a signal that the Trump administration is open to practical reform—even in areas as rigid as airport security.

Americans want to feel safe, but they also want to be treated with dignity.

This policy shift strikes a better balance between the two.