TSA Ends Shoes-Off Rule, UK Airports Ease Liquid Restrictions

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially ended its long-standing rule requiring travelers to remove their shoes at airport checkpoints. The change, effective immediately, concludes a policy in place since 2006, introduced after intelligence pointed to the threat of explosives concealed in footwear.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the update on July 8, stating the decision was made possible by modern screening technology and a multi-layered security strategy. PreCheck passengers and travelers over age 75 were already exempt from the rule.

“This change will significantly reduce wait times while maintaining top security standards,” Noem said.

In the UK, Birmingham Airport (BHX) in England and Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in Scotland are now the first to lift the 100ml liquid restriction. As of July 7, both airports allow travelers to carry liquids in containers up to two liters through security without removing them from their bags, following government approval and installation of advanced 3D x-ray scanners.

EDI confirmed there is no limit on the number of liquid containers as long as each does not exceed two liters. BHX echoed the policy and advised travelers to avoid using plastic bags for liquids and to leave them loose in carry-on luggage.

The relaxation of security rules comes nearly two decades after both countries introduced strict measures following terrorist threats involving liquid explosives and concealed bombs. UK authorities disrupted a major plot in 2006 targeting transatlantic flights, while TSA’s shoe rule followed the 2001 attempted bombing by Richard Reid aboard an American Airlines flight.

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