A man is seen sporting patriotic socks Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House photo)

Life just got a bit easier for those rushing to catch a plane at one of America’s busy airports.

At Ronald Reagan National Airport in D.C. Tuesday, DHS Secretary announced that the Transportation Security Administration will no longer require any passengers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints.

The requirement has been in place for most passengers since 2006, part of the reaction to an attempted terrorist attack in which a passenger tried to ignite explosives in his shoes during a 2001 flight.

An email from the TSA about the news conference said the new policy would “make screening easier for passengers, improve traveler satisfaction and will reduce wait times.”

Most people have had to take their shoes off for airport screening for nearly two decades after a passenger tried to ignite explosives in his shoes during a 2001 flight.

Watch Secretary Noem’s announcement:

? @Sec_Noem: “TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoints.” pic.twitter.com/mfs9wxizHO

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 8, 2025