WASHINGTON, DC—The Department of Homeland Security announced this week that air travelers will no longer be required to remove their shoes when passing through security screening at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in domestic airports.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the new policy aims to enhance traveler convenience and reduce wait times at security checkpoints.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” Noem said in a statement. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.”
Noem emphasized that security remains the top priority, attributing the policy change to “cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach.” She added that the initiative is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to usher in “a new Golden Age of American travel.”
Other existing security measures, such as identity verification and Secure Flight vetting, will remain in place.
The change is the latest in a series of modifications implemented by the DHS under the Trump administration. On July 2, the TSA launched its “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program, offering benefits like TSA PreCheck enrollment discounts and expedited airport access to uniformed service members and their families. In May, the TSA began implementing REAL ID at airport checkpoints, reporting a 94 percent compliance rate and more efficient security processes.
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