TSA to End Shoes-Off Policy at U.S. Airports, Easing Travel Woes

In a move that’s sure to have travelers kicking off their shoes in celebration—figuratively, at least—the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are set to announce the end of the mandatory shoes-off policy at many U.S. airports. The big reveal is slated for a press conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at 5 p.m. ET, promising a smoother glide through security checkpoints.

This change marks a significant shift from a rule born out of necessity in 2006, sparked by the infamous shoe bomber, Richard Reid, who tried to detonate explosives hidden in his sneakers on a 2001 flight. For nearly two decades, travelers have shuffled barefoot or in socks through security, but the TSA is now prioritizing both efficiency and passenger comfort without compromising safety.

TSA PreCheck and services like CLEAR have long spared enrolled travelers the shoe shuffle, but this update extends the perk to the main security lines, potentially benefiting millions. The decision aligns with the Trump administration’s push to streamline travel, hot on the heels of a new security lane for active-duty military members rolled out just last week.

A TSA spokesperson emphasized that any tweaks to security protocols will balance innovation with the agency’s unwavering commitment to safety. As travelers await the official details, the prospect of keeping shoes on feels like a small but mighty victory for airport convenience.