In one of the most traveler-friendly shifts in decades, the TSA has officially ended the nationwide requirement to remove shoes at security checkpoints. What was once a staple of airport routines—started after the 2001 “shoe bomber” incident—has now become optional for all passengers as of July 7, 2025.

🛩️ What’s Changed?

No more bare feet at checkpoints: Passengers in all lanes, not just PreCheck or exemptions for kids/seniors, can now keep footwear on—provided they hold a Real ID and are not selected for secondary screening. Pilot phase rollout: Major U.S. airports (e.g., BWI, PHL, PDX) have begun implementing the change ahead of full adoption nationwide.

🚀 Why Now?

Advanced scanning tech: Modern equipment can now detect threats within footwear without requiring removal, prompting a full policy reassessment. Passenger experience: A major complaint—long lines and hygiene issues associated with removing shoes—is addressed, enhancing convenience. Consistency matters: The previous patchwork of different rules across airports caused confusion, making a unified approach more effective.

🧳 What You Still Need to Know

Real ID is key: Passengers without Real ID or those flagged for additional screening may still be asked to remove shoes  . Secondary checks remain: Anyone pulled aside for extra screening might still face the traditional process. Other rules stay: Laptops, liquids, and laptops-in-bag procedures remain in place.

🗣️ Traveler Reaction

Cheers for comfort: Frequent flyers and fashion-conscious travelers are delighted—no more trudging through checkpoints in socks  . Security skeptics voice concerns: A few worry that eliminating shoe checks could reduce effectiveness, despite the tech advancements  .

🧾 Final Take

This long-awaited TSA update marks a significant step toward streamlined, smarter security—balancing safety with convenience. While the change rolls out fully, travelers are advised to:

Bring a Real ID-compliant document Expect potential variation depending on airport and screening requirements

It’s a small change with a big impact—smoother, faster, and more comfortable travel is finally here.