Big TSA Change Incoming: Is the Shoe Rule Finally Going Away?
We may be on the verge of one of the biggest changes in airport security in over a decade.
According to multiple sources cited by @GateAccess, the White House is preparing to eliminate the TSA’s shoe-removal rule—and not just for PreCheck members. This shift would allow all travelers to keep their shoes on during screening, making security lines faster, more efficient, and—let’s be real—less gross.
But this move isn’t just about comfort or convenience. It’s political. And it could change the value of TSA PreCheck moving forward.
Let’s break it down.
What’s Changing?
For more than 20 years, travelers have been required to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints—a rule that traces back to the 2001 “Shoe Bomber” incident involving Richard Reid. That one attempted attack led to decades of mandatory shoe removal across all U.S. airports.
But now, for the first time since the introduction of TSA PreCheck, the shoe rule may be going away for everyone not just those who’ve paid for expedited screening.
Key Points:
The policy change is being circulated internally, according to credible sources shared by Gate Access.
TSA officers have already begun receiving updated guidance on when shoe removal will still be necessary.
The change could take effect as early as Monday, July 7, 2025, although that date may shift due to logistics or backlash.
Who Still Has to Take Their Shoes Off?
There’s one key exception: travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification.
REAL ID is the enhanced federal ID standard that will be enforced nationwide in 2025. If you’re flying domestically and don’t yet have a REAL ID (or equivalent passport), you may still be required to remove your shoes—even after this change takes effect.
So while this shift helps many travelers, it’s also an indirect push to get more people compliant with upcoming ID requirements.
Why Now?
Let’s be honest—this isn’t just about security.
The TSA has been facing increasing pressure from lawmakers and the public alike. Long lines, inconsistent experiences, and outdated policies have fueled criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Some lawmakers have even floated the idea of dismantling or restructuring the TSA entirely.
This shoe rule rollback appears to be a strategic response to that pressure: a visible, feel-good change that can be framed as “progress” heading into a contentious election season.
What Does This Mean for TSA PreCheck?
This change raises a serious question: If everyone can keep their shoes on, what’s left that makes TSA PreCheck worth paying for?
Let’s look at what’s still included in TSA PreCheck:
Shorter, dedicated security lines
No need to remove laptops or liquids
No body scanner (just walk-through metal detector)
Consistently smoother screening, especially at busy hubs
Combine with Global Entry for express customs re-entry
But let’s be clear: PreCheck’s perceived value is taking a hit.
If the shoe rule goes away for the general public, and if your main reason for joining PreCheck was avoiding the shoe shuffle, you may want to pause before renewing.
For frequent flyers, international travelers, or anyone who values speed and predictability, PreCheck (or better yet, Global Entry) will still be worthwhile. But for the occasional domestic traveler? The math may no longer make sense.
Final Thoughts from Ben
This is a big deal.
Not just for your feet, but for how we think about the TSA, PreCheck, and the entire airport experience.
If this change rolls out on July 7 as expected, TSA PreCheck will need to evolve—or risk losing relevance in a post-shoe-removal world.
Stay tuned here at Ben’s Big Deal. I’ll be following the updates all weekend and posting real-time developments so you’re never caught off guard at the airport.
Pro Tip:
Still don’t have PreCheck or Global Entry? Check if your credit card will cover the fee. Cards like Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Amex Platinum offer full reimbursement for the application.
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