Skip the Shoe Shuffle: TSA Goes Touchless and Shoeless This August

Skip the Shoe Shuffle: TSA Goes Touchless and Shoeless This August

Major upgrades are reshaping the TSA’s airport screening process—making travel smoother and more efficient this summer. From facial recognition lanes to dropping the dreaded shoe removal rule, here’s everything you need to know for your next TSA experience.

1. TSA’s New Touchless PreCheck Arrives at 15 Airports

Forget fumbling for your boarding pass or ID—now, your face is your ticket.

• The Touchless ID, a faster version of TSA?PreCheck, is now live at 15 U.S. airports including JFK, LGA, Newark, DFW, ORD, DEN, and MCO.(Global Rescue, The Sun, Houston Chronicle)
• This system uses facial recognition (Traveler Verification Service), matching a live image captured at the checkpoint with your stored TSA or passport photo. No ID or boarding pass required.(New York Post)
• To use it, you must be enrolled in TSA PreCheck with a participating airline and opt-in via your airline’s app.(TSA)
• For example, Denver International Airport recently installed dedicated Touchless ID lanes in both its East and West security checkpoints.(Denver International Airport)

2. You Can Keep Your Shoes On—Finally

After nearly 20 years, the TSA’s infamous shoe-removal requirement is officially over—for now.

• On July 8, 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that passengers at U.S. airports no longer have to remove their shoes at security checkpoints.(TSA)
• This modernization is thanks to enhanced security screening tech, including CT scanners and identity validation measures.(TSA, AP News, Kiplinger)
• That said, agents may still request shoe removal for additional screening if needed.(AP News)
• Travelers previously using TSA PreCheck enjoyed shoe-free screening—but now all passengers benefit, though PreCheck still offers perks like skipping belt, laptop, and liquid removal.(AP News)

3. What This Means for You—Now and Next

Faster, Easier Security

• If you’re TSA PreCheck-enrolled with a participating airline and have your passport on file, you could breeze through Touchless ID in under 5 seconds.(Houston Chronicle)
• No more removing shoes saves everyone time—on average passengers may shave off 30–60 seconds each, or even more during busy times like holiday seasons.

Smoother Airport Flow for All

• The new shoe policy simplifies screening for travelers with mobility issues, the elderly, or families with small children.(AARP)
• The Touchless ID rollout reflects a broader TSA trend toward less-touch, more efficient security, including digital IDs and pilot programs like “Families on the Fly” and Honor Lanes.(The Sun)

What You Should Do

1. Opt in ASAP—Check your airline app for Touchless ID eligibility.
2. Bring your passport info—Ensure your airline profile is updated before travel.
3. Pack smart—While shoes stay on, liquids, electronics, and items may still need screening.
4. Be prepared for inconsistencies—Some airports may adjust more slowly, or require extra checks case by case.

Quick Summary Table

Final Thoughts

The airport experience is getting a much-needed upgrade. With Touchless ID expanding and shoe removal officially retired, TSA is stepping into a modern, traveler-friendly era. These changes are a big win for convenience and personalization—especially for savvy travelers who know to prepare just a little ahead.