Numerous Outlets Are Citing TikTok for a TSA Rule Change on Shoes, but What Does TSA Say?

Getting through airport security might be getting a little easier, whether you have TSA PreCheck or not.

That’s according to pretty much every corner of the internet, but an official statement from the government is nowhere to be found.

As part of the REAL ID requirements that were rolled out in May, TSA has seemingly updated its protocol and now allows travelers to keep their shoes on during the screening process — at least at some airports, as travelers are reporting varying experiences.

What does this mean for your next trip? Let’s take a look at the details.

TSA Shoe Screening Policy

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may have updated its rules behind the scenes, as online reports from travelers show a mix of “we were told not to take our shoes off” and “at this other airport, we still had to keep them on.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Yahoo quotes an ex-TSA employee who’s now a social media influencer. He claims that, as of July 7, 2025, passengers are no longer required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints at airports in the U.S.

This new rule appears to affect only travelers using a REAL ID. If you haven’t updated your ID yet, you will be subject to additional screening, including removing your shoes.

Alternatively, if you have TSA PreCheck, this is nothing new to you, as members have long been allowed to keep their shoes on. This latest update will help speed up the standard security lines at airports, which can take quite a long time.

This supposed rule update is “a result of both technological advancements and a comprehensive reassessment of threat-level risks.”

We reached out to the TSA for comment because, as of publishing time, there’s nothing official on TSA’s press releases, policy pages, or other channels. A spokesperson for the agency provided this 2-sentence, non-clarifying email:

“TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture. Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”

Thus, until there’s something official, you may find varying experiences with this supposed change related to shoes.

TSA PreCheck

While a potential move to no passengers needing to remove their shoes is great, TSA PreCheck members haven’t had to do that for years.

For any frequent traveler, having TSA PreCheck is a must. Being able to skip the (often long) regular TSA security line, while keeping your laptop in your bag and shoes on your feet, gets you through the process faster and into the lounge sooner.

While it costs $78 for 5 years, savvy travelers can get it for free as part of the Global Entry program, which we can also show you how to get for free.

Some of our favorite travel credit cards will reimburse Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. However, since Global Entry is more expensive ($120) and includes TSA PreCheck, we recommend applying for GE and walking away with both programs for $0 out of pocket.

Final Thoughts

Although enforcement seems inconsistent, there may be a rule change happening behind the scenes. Numerous outlets are reporting a supposed change regarding shoes at TSA checkpoints for July 7, 2025, but no one can point to an official source. Even more confusing, an email response from the TSA didn’t directly say yes or no.

Passengers are still subject to secondary screenings, especially if traveling without a REAL ID. Until there’s something official and clear, you should prepare to take your shoes off if you’re going through the standard screening line.