Boston.com readers agree with the end of the shoe removal policy at airports

"It's well overdue."

A traveler removes his shoes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in 2014. AP

July 11, 2025

1 minute to read

For the first time in nearly 20 years, travelers no longer have to remove their shoes during security screenings at U.S. airports, and when we asked Boston.com readers how they feel about it they were overwhelmingly glad.

This budget airline is ending all flights to Logan Airport this fall

Of the readers who responded to our informal poll, 88 percent said they agree with the policy change and 12 percent said they do not.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday that the policy change would take effect immediately.

The following is some of what Boston.com readers had to say.

“Way overdue,” wrote Shawn from Bridgewater. “With the new security technologies available, why should anyone even have to remove their sweatshirts or jackets? One incident changed the entire way air travel security worked. Security should be proactive, not reactive.”

“It is ridiculous to have one line where shoes have to be removed and another Pre-check Line where shoes can stay on,” wrote Philip from Boston.

“It’s well overdue,” wrote Chuck from Stoughton.

“How many threats have been prevented by shoe removal thus far? I would guess close to zero,” wrote Matt from Ipswich. “The majority of acts at TSA checkpoint are ‘security theatre’, doing nothing to actually protect people. Prove to me that it has helped, and I’m happy to keep it. If we already can keep shoes on through a much slimmer process in Pre Check, why not everywhere else?”

But not everyone agreed with the change.

“No way do they have updated security that is going to capture a bomb or weapon stored in a shoe,” wrote Caroline from Shrewsbury. “All of a sudden this isn’t a concern? Seems crazy given the increased hate directed at the US these days. So what if you have to wait in line to remove your shoes? Are we really choosing leaving our shoes on over keeping us safe?”

“The policy was put in place for a reason, clearly things can be hidden in shoes not observable in plane sight. It seems like a good safety precaution, so why get rid of it?” wrote SD from Waltham.

Passengers will no longer have to take their shoes off at the airport. Do you agree with the policy change?

Yes

88%

12%

Other

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.