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Kenny Xie
Kenny Xie
If you’ve flown from the US before, you’ll know the drill on the way home: get to TSA (Transportation Security Administration) security, empty your pockets, pull out your laptop, and dance around to take your shoes off. Then shuffle through the scanner in your socks, or bare feet.
From 13th July 2025, the shoe removal shuffle is no more as the Department of Homeland Security have scrapped the rule. So, if you’re flying from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the UK, or any other destination, you can expect to keep your trainers, sandals, or sparkly Minnie Mouse shoes firmly on your feet at security.
Why did people have to take their shoes off?
It all goes back to the events of 2001. The tragic September 11th 2001 terror attacks in the US led to tightened security following the hijacking of four planes. Then in December 2001 a British man, Richard Reid, was discovered to have explosives hidden in his footwear on a flight from Paris to Miami. He became known as the "shoe bomber", even though he was thankfully caught by passengers before being able to detonate the bomb, with the flight landing safely in Boston.
In 2006, the shoes-off rule came into effect across all US airports. Interestingly, most other countries, (including the UK), never followed suit. That’s why you don’t normally take your shoes off when flying out of Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester.
Now, you won’t be taking your shoes off in the US either.
"Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Secretary Noem. “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. Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards."
What This Means for UK Travellers
Heading home from Florida just got a little bit less stressful, and security will be an easier process. Here’s what it means in a nutshell:
Less hassle at US security: When heading through security on the way home all UK travellers will no longer need to take off their shoes as they pass through security.
Kids keep their shoes on: Families will be relieved not to juggle little ones taking off their trainers, sandals, Crocs, etc.
Saves time: Queues through security will likely move faster when passengers aren’t all bent over untying laces.
No more socks-on-the-floor moments: Let’s be honest, no one wants to walk about in their socks at an airport.
For UK travellers planning that magical Disney World holiday, this is a small but very welcome change. Security in US airports has a reputation for being strict, and the stress of juggling the inevitable haul of hand luggage through security on the way home is never easy. This is now one less step you have to take that will save time and relieve a little bit of stress at security.