Arlington, Virginia (Special Representative)
In a move hailed as a breakthrough in modern air travel, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that travelers at U.S. airports are no longer required to remove their shoes during security screenings. The decision, which took effect immediately, marks the end of a practice that had become synonymous with post-9/11 travel.
The change follows extensive testing by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which confirmed that updated screening equipment can maintain the same level of security while allowing passengers to keep their shoes on.
“I think most Americans will be very excited to see they will be able to keep their shoes on,” said Noem. “This will make security lines more efficient and less intrusive, without compromising safety.”
The original shoe-removal policy was implemented in response to the attempted shoe bombing by Richard Reid in 2001. It became a formal requirement by 2006, affecting millions of passengers annually. While the TSA PreCheck program provided a workaround for some, the majority of travelers were still required to comply.
While the updated rule applies to all passengers, TSA clarified that additional shoe removal may still be required in rare cases for further inspection. The PreCheck program will continue offering its own benefits, including exemptions from removing belts, light jackets, laptops, and liquids.
In addition to this policy change, TSA is actively reviewing other protocols to improve airport flow and traveler experience. New initiatives include dedicated security lanes for military personnel and families with young children, and upcoming pilots over the next 6–8 months aim to test further refinements.
Dr. Surinder Singh Gill, Ambassador for Peace and global community advocate, welcomed the shift as a positive and people-centric policy.
“This is a welcome step in restoring dignity and ease to international travel,” Dr. Gill remarked.
“It shows that policy rooted in fear is now evolving into policy based on innovation and confidence. It’s a reflection of the progress we’re capable of when human comfort and security go hand in hand.”
He further added that the update is symbolic of a broader trend toward smarter, more humane governance:
“In a world where travel connects people, ideas, and economies, every act of thoughtful facilitation counts. This decision sends the right message: that we trust our people, and we trust the technology that protects them.”
Meanwhile, advancements such as biometric screening, AI-powered scanning tools, and integration with Real ID standards continue to redefine the future of aviation security.
As the aviation industry rebounds and evolves post-pandemic, this move signals a broader shift toward efficiency, empathy, and modernization—one that passengers and global advocates alike are embracing.