On a recent international flight from Delhi, I wore bulky hiking boots, thinking they’d be fine for travel. At security, I was asked to remove them, causing a delay and some embarrassment as I fumbled with laces. That experience prompted me to research airport shoe removal policies, especially in India and globally, to help you avoid similar hassles. Here’s what I found.
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Why Shoe Removal Started
The practice of removing shoes at airport security began after the 2001 incident involving Richard Reid, who attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on American Airlines Flight 63. This led to heightened security measures worldwide, including mandatory shoe screening at many airports to detect hidden threats.
Shoe Removal in India Airports
In India, shoe removal at airport security is not always required. According to traveler experiences shared on Reddit, passengers wearing sandals, light slip-ons, or basic sneakers without metal hardware often pass through without removing shoes, especially on domestic flights. However, bulky shoes, boots, or those with metal shanks or details may need to be removed for X-ray screening, particularly for international departures.
TSA Shoe Removal Policy Changes
The TSA is phasing out mandatory shoe removal at many U.S. airport security checkpoints, as noted in discussions on Reddit. This change aims to improve the passenger experience while maintaining security. However, shoes may still need to be removed if they trigger an alarm or during secondary screening. Passengers aged 75 and older often receive expedited screening, allowing them to keep shoes on unless flagged.
Which Shoes Require Removal?
Not all shoes need to be removed at security. Sandals, light sneakers, or slip-ons without metal components are often fine. However, boots, safety shoes, or shoes with metal shanks (often hidden under the insole) may trigger alarms, requiring removal. To avoid delays, opt for simple footwear without metal details when traveling.
Global Shoe Removal Rules
Shoe removal policies vary globally. Countries like Australia, China, Japan, India, and most European Union nations (except the UK) generally do not require shoe removal unless the shoes are bulky or trigger an alarm. The UK has random shoe removal requirements, while the U.S. is transitioning to a more lenient policy, as mentioned earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to remove shoes at airport security in India?
Shoe removal in India is not always required. Sandals or light sneakers may stay on, but bulky shoes or those with metal details often need to be removed for X-ray.
Do you have to take your shoes off at the airport with CLEAR?
With CLEAR, shoe removal depends on the airport and screening type. TSA’s new policy may allow shoes to stay on unless they trigger an alarm.
What shoes do you have to take off at airport security?
Boots, safety shoes, or shoes with metal shanks or details may need to be removed if they trigger security alarms.
Are safety shoes allowed on flights in India?
Yes, safety shoes are allowed, but they may need to be removed for screening if they contain metal or are bulky.
Which shoes are not allowed in the airport?
No shoes are explicitly banned, but those with hidden metal shanks or suspicious features may require additional screening.
