You must remove your shoes at TSA security checkpoints in most cases, but a few travelers can keep them on

TSA requires almost all passengers to remove their shoes and place them in a bin on the X-ray conveyor belt. The rule applies to everyone passing through standard security screening. However, TSA PreCheck members, Global Entry holders, and certain travelers over 75 years old can keep their shoes on if they are enrolled in the right program.

The shoe removal rule exists because shoes can conceal explosives or other prohibited items. Metal detectors alone cannot reliably detect threats hidden in shoe soles, so X-ray screening of shoes is part of standard security procedure at every U.S. airport.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard TSA screening requires you to remove shoes, belts, and light jackets and place them in a bin for X-ray scanning.
  • TSA PreCheck members ($78 to $85 for five years) can keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on during security screening.
  • Passengers 75 and older do not have to remove shoes if they are screened at a standard checkpoint, though policies vary slightly by airport.
  • Global Entry and NEXUS cardholders can use TSA PreCheck benefits at U.S. airports, including the ability to keep shoes on.
  • Removing shoes before you reach the checkpoint speeds up the line and reduces the chance you will forget them in a bin.

Who can keep their shoes on at TSA checkpoints

TSA PreCheck is the main program that lets you keep shoes on. Members pay $78 to $85 for a five-year membership and go through a background check and in-person interview. Once enrolled, you use a dedicated PreCheck lane at participating airports (most major U.S. airports have them) where the rules are relaxed: shoes stay on, belts stay on, light jackets stay on, and laptops and liquids stay in your bag.

Global Entry and NEXUS are trusted traveler programs run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that include TSA PreCheck benefits. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and covers international travel; NEXUS costs $120 for five years and covers travel between the U.S. and Canada. Both programs grant you TSA PreCheck privileges at U.S. airports, so you can keep your shoes on.

Passengers 75 years old and older can keep their shoes on at standard (non-PreCheck) checkpoints. TSA modified this rule in 2022 to reduce physical strain on older travelers. You do not need to enroll in a program or pay a fee—just tell the TSA officer your age when you reach the checkpoint. Some airports may still ask you to remove shoes if there is a security concern, but age alone does not require removal.

What happens if you forget to remove your shoes

If you walk through the metal detector with your shoes on and are not may be able to access to keep them on, the alarm will likely sound and you will be pulled aside for additional screening. A TSA officer will ask you to remove your shoes and may pat down your feet and lower legs. This adds 5 to 10 minutes to your screening time.

The best approach is to remove your shoes before you reach the conveyor belt, even if you think you might be may be able to access to keep them on. Removing them early prevents delays and confusion. If you do hold TSA PreCheck or are over 75, you can put your shoes back on after the officer confirms your status.

What else you need to remove or place in a bin

Shoes are not the only item you must remove at standard security. You also need to remove your belt, empty your pockets completely, and remove light jackets or hoodies. Heavier coats can stay on. Place all of these items in a bin along with your shoes.

Laptops and large electronics must come out of your bag and go in a separate bin. Liquids, gels, and aerosols (the 3-1-1 rule: containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller, all in one quart-sized clear bag) must also be removed and screened separately. TSA PreCheck members skip most of these steps—liquids and laptops can stay in bags, and jackets and belts stay on.

How to prepare before you reach the checkpoint

Wear shoes that are straightforward to remove and put back on. Lace-up boots take longer than slip-ons. Avoid shoes with heavy buckles or complicated closures. Wear socks or go barefoot if you are uncomfortable walking on airport floors.

Arrive at the checkpoint with your ID and boarding pass in hand. Empty your pockets before you reach the conveyor belt so you do not have to do it in front of the line. Place your bag on the belt first, then your shoes and other items. This keeps the line moving and reduces the chance you will leave something behind.

If you travel frequently, consider whether TSA PreCheck makes sense for you. The five-year membership costs less than $20 per year and saves time at every airport visit. The process process takes about 10 minutes in person at an enrollment center, and approval usually comes within a few days.

Regional and airport-specific variations

Most U.S. airports follow the same TSA shoe removal rules, but a few airports have slightly different procedures. Some smaller airports or those with lower traffic may have more relaxed screening, though shoes are still typically required to go through the X-ray machine. Always assume you need to remove your shoes unless you are in a TSA PreCheck lane or are over 75.

International airports in the U.S. follow TSA rules for domestic flights and U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules for international arrivals. If you are flying internationally, the rules for your destination country may differ—some airports outside the U.S. do not require shoe removal at all. Check with your airline or destination airport before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to remove my shoes if I am wearing a prosthetic or orthotic device?

No. TSA allows you to keep prosthetics and orthotic devices on during screening. Tell the officer before you enter the metal detector so they can note it. If the device triggers the alarm, the officer will perform additional screening, but you do not have to remove it.

What if I have a medical condition that makes it painful to walk barefoot?

Tell the TSA officer about your condition before screening begins. They may allow you to keep your shoes on or may use alternative screening methods. Having a doctor's note or medical documentation can help, though it is not required. TSA officers are trained to accommodate medical needs when possible.

Can I wear slip-on shoes to speed up the process?

Yes. Slip-on shoes are faster to remove and put back on than lace-ups. Many travelers wear slip-ons specifically for airport security. You still have to remove them and place them in a bin, but the process takes less time overall.

If I have TSA PreCheck, do I still have to remove my shoes at international airports?

TSA PreCheck benefits explore only at U.S. airports for domestic flights. At international airports or when screening for international flights, you may have to follow different rules depending on the airport and the country. Check with your airline before you travel.

What should I do if I forget my shoes in a bin at security?

Alert a TSA officer when ready. They can retrieve your shoes from the bin or the X-ray area. If you have already left the checkpoint, return to the security area as soon as possible. Most airports keep unclaimed items for a limited time before disposing of them.