New TSA Rules for Keeping Shoes on in Security Lines Don't Include Some Airports or Footwear Styles

It’s been front page news – the TSA is now allowing airline passengers to keep their shoes on in security lines. That reverses a policy in effect since 2006, after a would-be terrorist hid explosives in his shoes.

Advances in security technology now can recognize explosives, so you can keep your shoes on. But –

The new rules do not cover every type of shoe and do not apply at every airport.

Let me explain –

Smaller, regional airports may still require you to remove your footwear, since they may not have the high-priced, high-tech equipment that screens for explosives.

Metal-studded boots for article about what does not qualify as footwear airline passengers can leave on in airport security screening_evelynkanter — Photo courtesy Amazon

Metal still sets off alarms, so if your footwear is Grunge rockstar boots with metal spikes, you’ll still have to remove them and put them in the TSA basket.

Ditto hiking boots with metal loops for laces.

Ditto steel-toed boots favored by construction workers.

The new keep-your-shoes-on-rule was implemented to help speed up TSA security lines, but other TSA requirements are still in place –

You still require a Real ID to board a plane.

Click here to find out what classifies as a Real ID.

Graphic of TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage — Graphic courtesy REI

You still have to observe the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on,

3 -Nothing larger than a 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid per container. That includes gels and creams such as moisturizer and sunscreen, pastes such as toothpaste, liquids such as shampoo and conditioner, flammable aerosols such as wrinkle remover, food such as yogurt and even peanut butter.
1 – Everything must fit inside one clear quart-sized zip-top bag.
1 – One bag per passenger.

Exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule include infant formula and breast milk, liquid prescription medications such as insulin.

You still have to remove electronics such as phones, tablets and laptops – unless you have TSA Pre-Check

Click here to find out more about TSA Pre-Check

You still have to remove metal-bearing jewelry and watches – unless you have TSA Pre-Check.

Click here to find out more about TSA Pre-Check

You still have to remove coats, jackets, heavy sweaters and even scarves – unless you have TSA Pre-Check.

Click here to find out more about TSA Pre-Check

ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is an award-winning journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.