Do You Have to Take Off Your Shoes at TSA?

The Short Answer

In the United States, yes — most travelers must remove their shoes at standard TSA security checkpoints. Your shoes go through the X-ray machine in a separate bin while you walk through the metal detector or body scanner in your socks.

However, there are important exceptions, and the rule doesn't apply everywhere in the world.

Why Does TSA Require Shoes Off?

The shoe removal requirement dates to December 2001, when Richard Reid — the "shoe bomber" — attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a transatlantic flight. After that incident, TSA implemented mandatory shoe X-ray screening for all passengers.

The policy has remained largely unchanged since, despite controversy and criticism. TSA uses X-ray screening of removed shoes to check for explosives or other hidden threats that couldn't be detected while worn.

Who Has to Remove Shoes

All standard (non-PreCheck) passengers at US TSA checkpoints must remove their shoes. This includes:

• Adults (18 and over)
• Children 13 and older
• All passengers regardless of shoe type (sandals, heels, boots, sneakers)

Who Does NOT Have to Remove Shoes

TSA PreCheck Members

If your boarding pass shows the TSA PreCheck logo, you use the dedicated PreCheck lane and keep your shoes on. This is one of the most cited benefits of PreCheck enrollment ($78-$85 for five years). PreCheck also lets you keep your belt on and your laptop in your bag.

Children Under 12

Children 12 years old and younger do not need to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints. They can walk through the scanner with shoes on.

Adults 75 and Over

Passengers 75 and older receive modified screening. In many cases they are allowed to keep their shoes on and may go through additional low-level screening instead. This can vary by checkpoint and circumstances.

Passengers with Mobility Difficulties

Passengers who cannot remove their shoes due to a physical disability or medical condition will receive alternative screening. Inform the TSA officer of any mobility or medical issues before screening begins. They'll work with you on an appropriate alternative.

Active Military in Uniform

In some cases, uniformed military personnel may receive expedited or modified screening, though this varies by airport and checkpoint.

What to Do When You Remove Your Shoes

1. Place your shoes in a bin (one bin is enough for a pair)
2. The bin goes on the X-ray belt along with your bag
3. You walk through the scanner in socks (or barefoot, though socks are recommended for hygiene)
4. After passing through, collect your shoes from the end of the belt and put them on at the benches near the exit of security

Don't put your shoes on while standing at the end of the X-ray belt — you'll block the bins coming through. Move to the side bench or seating area first.

Tips for Managing Shoes at Security

• Wear slip-on shoes — by far the easiest option. Loafers, slip-on sneakers, and Chelsea boots come off and go back on in seconds.
• Wear socks — airport security floors are high-traffic surfaces. You'll want them.
• Don't put shoes on at the belt — grab your belongings and move to the side benches before re-lacing or adjusting
• Have your shoes removed and ready before you reach the front of the line if you're wearing lace-ups — this speeds up the belt process

International Airports: Different Rules

The mandatory shoe removal policy is largely unique to the United States. Most other countries do not require shoes to be removed as standard practice, though it may be requested situationally. If you're connecting through an international airport before arriving in the US, you typically won't need to remove shoes at the non-US checkpoint.

Is the Shoe Rule Going Away?

TSA has explored changes to the shoe policy for years, particularly expanding PreCheck-style programs where more passengers can keep shoes on. As of 2026, the policy for standard screening remains in place. The most reliable way to keep your shoes on remains TSA PreCheck.

The Bottom Line

Yes, shoes off at TSA is the default rule in the US for standard screening. The practical solution is either to wear easy slip-on footwear (for the fastest possible removal) or enroll in TSA PreCheck (to skip it entirely). Children under 12 and adults 75+ get exemptions from standard shoe removal.