TSA Confirms Change to Long-Standing Policy, No Need To Remove Shoes

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

Speculation about these changes began over the weekend, but nothing was confirmed until today at a press conference with the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem.

As part of the REAL ID requirements that were rolled out in May, TSA has updated its protocol and now allows travelers to keep their shoes on during the screening process.

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) has updated its rules to allow passengers to keep their shoes on when going through airport security checkpoints.

Rumors of this changed swirled over the weekend, as Yahoo quoted an ex-TSA employee who’s now a social media influencer. He claimed that, as of July 7, 2025, passengers were no longer required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints at airports in the U.S.

This rule change 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.

We reached out to the TSA for comment because, as of July 7, there was 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.”

However, on the afternoon of July 8, Secretary Noem confirmed the policy change at a press conference, which we attended online. She started the event by clearly stating that travelers would no longer be required to take off their shoes, unless selected for additional screening, based on analysis of data and determining the shoes-off policy was no longer necessary.

TSA PreCheck

While a 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

There may be inconsistent enforcement for a little while after this rule change, and travelers should bring their patience. However, the official word has come down from the highest levels, and passengers no longer need to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints — even if they don’t have PreCheck.

Passengers are still subject to secondary screenings, especially if traveling without a REAL ID, and that could mean your shoes still come off — however, that shouldn’t be ever time, thanks to the new rule.