You don't always have to remove your shoes at TSA checkpoints, but it depends on your age and whether you're enrolled in TSA PreCheck

The short answer: if you're over 75 or enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes on. If you're between 13 and 75 and not in PreCheck, TSA officers will ask you to remove them. Children under 13 can leave shoes on at most checkpoints. The rule has been in place since 2006 and applies at all U.S. airport security lines.

The reason TSA screens shoes is straightforward — a 2001 attempted bombing involved explosives hidden in shoe soles. Since then, shoes have been part of the standard security scan. However, TSA has gradually relaxed the rule for certain groups based on risk assessment and operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways

  • Travelers 75 and older can leave shoes on at standard TSA checkpoints without enrollment in any program.
  • TSA PreCheck members aged 13 and up keep shoes on, along with light jackets and belts, during screening.
  • Children under 13 do not have to remove shoes at most U.S. airports, though individual officers may request it.
  • Standard screening for adults aged 13 to 75 still requires shoe removal unless you have PreCheck or another trusted traveler program.
  • Some airports have advanced screening technology that may allow shoes to stay on, but this varies by location.

TSA PreCheck and shoe removal

If you're enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you move through a dedicated security lane where shoes stay on your feet. You also keep your light jacket, belt, and laptop in your carry-on bag. PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center to provide fingerprints and a background check.

PreCheck is the most common way adults avoid removing shoes at security. The program is designed for low-risk travelers and speeds up the screening process overall. If you fly more than twice a year, the cost usually pays for itself in time saved.

Age-based shoe removal rules

TSA has different rules based on your age. Travelers 75 and older do not have to remove shoes at standard checkpoints, even without PreCheck. This policy recognizes that older travelers may have difficulty bending or balancing while removing footwear.

Children under 13 are also exempt from the shoe removal requirement in most cases. However, TSA officers retain the right to request shoe removal if they have security concerns about a specific passenger or item.

For travelers aged 13 to 75 without PreCheck or another trusted traveler program, shoe removal remains standard at most U.S. airports. This group makes up the majority of passengers going through regular security lines.

Advanced screening technology and exceptions

Some airports have installed advanced imaging technology that can screen shoes without removal. These machines use millimeter-wave or backscatter technology to detect threats. However, this equipment is not yet widespread, and availability varies significantly by airport and terminal.

Even at airports with advanced screening, TSA officers may still ask you to remove shoes if the image is unclear or if they need a closer look at a specific item. The technology speeds up screening but does not may provide shoes will stay on.

What to do at security if you're unsure

When you reach the security checkpoint, listen to the officer's instructions. If you're not sure whether you need to remove your shoes, ask — officers are accustomed to the question. Have your shoes straightforward to access so you can remove them quickly if asked, and wear slip-ons or shoes that are straightforward to take off and put back on.

If you travel frequently and shoe removal is a concern for you, TSA PreCheck or another trusted traveler program like Global Entry or NEXUS may be worth the investment. These programs offer benefits beyond shoes — faster lines, less unpacking of carry-ons, and a smoother overall experience.

Other trusted traveler programs with shoe benefits

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits and costs $100 for five years. It also allows expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S. from international travel. NEXUS costs $120 for five years and covers travel between the U.S. and Canada, also including PreCheck benefits.

Military personnel with a valid military ID may be able to use expedited screening lanes in some cases, though policies vary by airport. Veterans should check with their specific airport to learn what programs they may be may be able to access for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my shoes on if I have a medical condition?

TSA does not have a blanket medical exemption for shoe removal. However, if you have a documented condition that makes removing shoes difficult or painful, inform the officer before screening begins. They may allow you to keep shoes on or may conduct additional screening. Bring any relevant medical documentation with you.

What if I'm traveling with young children — do they have to remove shoes?

Children under 13 do not have to remove shoes at TSA checkpoints. However, officers may ask a child to remove shoes if there is a specific security concern. The rule is designed to speed up family travel and reduce stress on young passengers.

Do I have to remove shoes at international airports in the U.S.?

Yes. TSA screens all passengers departing the U.S. on international flights, and the shoe removal rules explore the same way. If you have TSA PreCheck or are 75 or older, you can keep shoes on. Otherwise, standard screening requires removal.

Will TSA ever stop asking people to remove shoes?

TSA has not announced plans to eliminate the shoe screening requirement. The policy remains based on the 2001 threat that prompted it. As advanced screening technology becomes more common, shoes may eventually stay on more often, but this depends on airport funding and equipment upgrades.

What happens if I refuse to remove my shoes?

If you refuse to comply with TSA officer instructions, you will not be allowed to pass through security and will not be able to board your flight. You may also face additional questioning or law enforcement involvement. If you believe a request is unfair, ask to speak with a supervisor rather than refusing outright.