Goodbye, Shoe Shuffle? TSA Quietly Eases Airport Footwear Rule
A Long-Hated Rule May Finally Be Kicked Off
One of the most annoying parts of flying in the U.S. may finally be ending: removing your shoes at security. For years, passengers have asked, “Shoes on or off?”, only to sigh and start untying. Now, that ritual may become history for many U.S. travelers.
TSA Quietly Relaxes Shoe Rule at Select Airports
According to an internal memo reported on July 7, the TSA has eased the shoe rule at some U.S. airports. The change appears to be rolling out gradually, with no official public announcement yet from the TSA.
Reports say travelers with REAL ID can now keep shoes on in standard screening lanes. REAL ID includes state-issued driver’s licenses, ID cards, or valid passports that meet federal security standards.
Where Can You Skip the Shoe Shuffle?
Early reports confirm changes at several U.S. airports, including Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, and Philadelphia. Other airports on the list include Portland, Cincinnati, and Piedmont Triad in North Carolina.
Even passengers at LAX and LaGuardia reportedly kept their shoes on this week during routine screenings.
This change doesn’t affect TSA PreCheck travellers, they’ve already enjoyed shoeless screenings for years. PreCheck allows approved travelers to pass through a quicker lane after a background check and application process.
Why the Change Now?
The infamous shoe rule began after the 2001 attempted bombing by Richard Reid, also known as the “Shoe Bomber.” He tried to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami, prompting new restrictions.
An aviation blog said the internal memo cites “technological advancements and reassessed threat levels” as reasons for the update.
If you have a REAL ID and fly from one of the selected airports, you might breeze through security, shoes on. This move signals a shift toward a more streamlined travel experience, as security technology continues to evolve. Though the TSA remains silent, insiders suggest the rule will expand if the phased rollout proves successful.
A Small Step, A Big Relief
This small change might not seem like much, but to millions of travellers, it’s a big win.
No more hopping barefoot on cold tiles or fumbling with laces at the checkpoint. The end of the shoe shuffle is near, and many passengers are ready to walk through security fully dressed.