Going through airport security and remembering every little detail of what is allowed and what is not usually keeps the flyers confused. However, the
Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) has announced a landmark shift in airport security procedures.
DHS under the leadership of Secretary
Kristi Noem
, has eliminated the requirement for travelers to remove their shoes during domestic screenings. The rule was a result of the aftermath of 2001 attempted shoe bombing. And has been a cause of inconvenience for travellers.
This change in the policy is the first roll back ever in the airport security upgrade since the 2001 attacks. This also signals that there may be modernization of security protocols without compromising the security of the passengers.
Noem has emphasized that passenger convenience is a priority, yet national security remains paramount.
“We’re applying smarter technologies to ensure both safety and efficiency,” she said. She has also noted that these changes are based on thorough and extensive assessments of threats and their ever-changing nature.
@TSA
no longer required you to remove your shoes 👠 👞 anymore at US airports ✈️Homeland Security Chief
@Sec_Noem
announced this week.
Learn the history of what initiated this action for the last 19years: Richard Reid the shoe 👞 bomber.
#Kemitalkstrump
pic.twitter.com/JiRC6vB890
— Dr Olukemi Olunloyo🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@DrKOlunloyo)
July 10, 2025
Now that there is a change in “shoe policy” at airport security, Secretary Noem has hinted at another major shift in protocols. There could be a potential end of the
TSA’s 3.4 ounce liquid rule
. This rule has been in place for nearly 2 decades and modifications and exemptions to this rule have been a matter for severe confusions among passengers.
The restriction was originally put in place to catch onto liquid-based explosive threats. However, it may no longer be necessary. Today’s technological advancements in scanning equipment are well within their scope to sniff out any such threat.
Secretary Kristie Noem was speaking at the Hill Nation Summit when she teased the idea of removing this rule as she herself has been questioning it. She also said that it could be the next big announcement though no timeline was mentioned during the summit.
Yet, her comments signal a serious reevaluation of one of air travel’s most unpopular rules.
There are millions o f passengers who will welcome the lifting of liquid volume restriction policy. Those who travel with kids or are on long distance flights could benefit the most if there is a relaxation in the policy.
There have been many times when flyers have complained about leaving the baby formula, medicines or essential toiletries behind as they were more than the volume limit.
Relaxation in these rules will only result in fewer frustrations, but will also cut the screening time at the airport.
🧴| Say goodbye to the 100ml rule.
Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s first airport to lift the 100ml liquid limit, thanks to new x-ray technology.
You can now keep liquids in your bag when going through security, and those liquid containers can be up to two litres each.
pic.twitter.com/gqmYPRVrxL
— Edinburgh Airport (@EDI_Airport)
July 7, 2025
Secretary Noem laid out a vision for a faster and better airport security experience. She said that her department is actively testing next-generation scanners. These scanners will be capable of quickly identifying threats, all without having passengers remove items from their bags or go through extended pat-downs.
“Our goal is to have a process where you can walk through in under a minute and go directly to your gate,” Noem explained.
DHS is said to have been partnering with leading tech firms. These firms specialize in biometric analysis, artificial intelligence, and threat detection.
Pilot programs are expected to launch in select airports across the country, with full implementation dependent on successful trials and safety audits.
