TSA ends shoe removal policy. What it means for DFW, Dallas Love Field airports
The Department of Homeland Security announced on June 8 that travelers will no longer be required to remove their shoes when going through domestic airport security.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in the news release that the new policy will take effect immediately nationwide.
“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” Noem wrote. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. As always, security remains our top priority.”
Noem said that, because of the improvements in security technology, DHS feels confident that this change will not impact security standards.
Passengers will still be required to undergo identity verification, flight vetting, and other security measures, according to the statement.
Participating in security screenings without shoes became a requirement for passengers in 2006, five years after so-called “shoe bomber” Richard Reid failed to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in 2001.
A spokesperson for Dallas Love-Field Airport said in an email to the Star-Telegram that the TSA still reserves the right to request that a passenger’s shoes be removed, and passengers may undergo additional screening measures if there are “extenuating concerns.”
DFW international Airport did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.
How will this change affect TSA PreCheck?
A TSA spokesperson told the Star-Telegram that TSA PreCheck still offers a very streamlined and convenient airport experience.
“You still have the ability to keep your belt on, keep a light jacket on. At some airports, standard screening passengers still have to remove laptops and other electronics out of their carry-on bag.”
He stated that 98 percent of TSA PreCheck passengers wait 10 minutes or less in security screening lanes.
What can people traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth airports expect?
Most people can expect a similar experience when traveling through airports, except for military members and their families, who are entitled to additional benefits when traveling through U.S. airports.
TSA announced its “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease,” which allows uniformed military members or those with a military ID and their families to go to the front of the line and expedited access lines at 10 select airports. Service members will also be eligible for TSA PreCheck discounts.
The 10 airports that will have lines for services members and their families on crowded days are: Anchorage, Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Colorado Springs, El Paso, Nashville and San Diego.
The TSA spokesperson said this is part of President Donald Trump’s “Golden Age of America” campaign, which the administration is implementing to make travel easier across the country, and more changes can be expected in the future.
This story was originally published July 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM.