Do you have to take your shoes off at the airport with clear?

With CLEAR, you go to the front of the line, but whether you remove your shoes depends on if you also have TSA PreCheck® and if you trigger extra screening; the TSA ended mandatory shoe removal for PreCheck, so you generally keep them on, but you might still take them off for certain boots, random checks, or if flagged for "SSSS". The best experience is the CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck® bundle, which gets you to the front and lets you skip removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets.

Do I have to take off my shoes with CLEAR?

No need to remove your shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. Shorter wait times. Available with 90+ airlines at 200+ airports nationwide.

Can I refuse to take my shoes off at the airport?

TSA no longer requires passengers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints This rule now applies at all US airports and checkpoints, making shoe removal officially optional unless one of the following applies: You don't have a REAL ID, which triggers extra screening. You're selected for secondary screening.

Which airports no longer require shoe removal?

Passengers at airports across the U.S. no longer have to remove their shoes during regular TSA security checks, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Tuesday. Noem said the change would take effect immediately for airports across the country.

How does CLEAR work at the airport?

CLEAR works at the airport by using your biometrics (face, eyes, fingerprints) to quickly verify your identity at dedicated lanes, letting you skip the regular ID check and get to the front of the TSA screening line for faster bag and body scans, often with the help of a CLEAR Ambassador or automated eGates. After biometric verification, you proceed directly to physical screening (metal detector, X-ray), sometimes combined with TSA PreCheck for shoes/laptops off, but it's a separate service. 

How to Get Through Airport Security in Less Than 3 Minutes - CLEAR and TSA Precheck - CLEAR Review

What are the cons of CLEAR?

Potential drawbacks:

• Clear+ doesn't exempt you from the physical security screening. ...
• It's not always the shortest line. ...
• It doesn't work for international travel. ...
• Cost. ...
• Availability. ...
• Random ID checks.

What disqualifies you from CLEAR?

An individual convicted of any crime other than minor traffic violations is disqualified unless the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) grants an exemption from the clearance requirement.

What is the most confiscated item at airports?

The Most Frequently Detected Prohibited Items in Airport Baggage Checks

1. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) ...
2. Knives and Sharp Objects. ...
3. Firearms. ...
4. Explosives and Flammable Materials. ...
5. Realistic Replicas and Novelty Items. ...
6. Ammunition. ...
7. Flammable Household Items. ...
8. Restricted Powders.

Why did airport security make me take my shoes off?

The requirement for passengers to remove their shoes at airports actually dates back to a single failed attempt to carry out a terrorist attack: the December 2001 incident in which a man named Richard Reid concealed explosives in his shoes.

Why does my groin always get flagged at TSA?

Your groin area gets flagged at TSA because the millimeter wave scanners detect density changes from sweat, snug clothing, body shape, medical items, or even certain fabrics/seams, creating an "anomaly" where they expect skin, leading to a required pat-down for safety, not due to anything inherently suspicious. It's a common issue with the technology, often resolved by wearing looser clothes or trying different materials, with sweat and shadows being frequent culprits, according to Reddit users and security experts. 

What is the best outfit to wear on a plane?

For the best plane outfits, prioritize layers, soft & stretchy bottoms (joggers, wide-leg pants), a comfy top, and slip-on shoes, using a jacket/cardigan for warmth and easy removal; natural fibers like cotton or wool are great, while leggings can be risky in emergencies, so loose fits are key for comfort and safety on flights.
 

Why did TSA change shoe rule?

The change marks a significant shift in TSA policy, which has required shoe removal since 2006 in response to the 2001 “shoe bomber” attempt by Richard Reid. It's a development that aims to modernize airport security, reduce passenger delays and improve the overall traveler experience.

Is it better to fly with shoes on or off?

You should generally keep your shoes on, especially for short flights, due to hygiene, safety (evacuations), and courtesy, but on long flights (4+ hrs), it's often acceptable to remove them if you wear clean socks, have no odor, and put shoes back on to use the bathroom or walk around. Never go barefoot in the lavatory, and always keep shoes on if you're in an emergency exit row.
 

Can TSA see breast implants?

At the Airport:

🚨 Airport Security Scanners – Breast implants may be detected in body scanners but will not trigger alarms. Security staff are trained in handling medical implants professionally. 📝 Carry a Medical Note (Optional) – If concerned, ask your surgeon for a letter confirming you have breast implants.

Is CLEAR still worth it?

If you're a frequent traveler, using CLEAR+® can save a lot of time at the airport. If you travel a lot and want the convenience of bypassing the ID check to go straight to screening, then CLEAR+® could be worth it.

How to avoid taking shoes off at the airport?

To avoid taking shoes off at the airport, wear slip-on shoes or shoes with no metal, especially if you have TSA PreCheck, though the TSA largely ended mandatory shoe removal for all passengers as of mid-2025, relying on advanced tech, but you might still need to remove them if your shoes trigger alarms or for secondary screening. The key is footwear without metal shanks, or opting for slip-ons like sandals (with socks for hygiene) for easy removal if asked. 

Do you still need to remove shoes at airport security?

No, you generally do not have to take your shoes off anymore at U.S. airport security checkpoints as the TSA ended that requirement nationwide in July 2025, but agents can still ask you to remove them if you trigger an alarm or for secondary screening, with TSA PreCheck passengers keeping them on as usual. This new policy aims to speed up screening, though you should still wear easily removable shoes and be prepared for an agent to request it, especially if you don't have a REAL ID or are selected for extra checks. 

When did the TSA start requiring shoe removal?

The so-called “shoe bomber” case and other continuing threats prompted the 2006 requirement that passengers remove their shoes during screening.

Why do airline passengers have to take off their shoes?

The federal government began requiring airline passengers to slip off their footwear during security checks in 2006, roughly five years after British-born terrorist Richard Reid tried to detonate a bomb hidden in his shoes on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami.

Can TSA see my tampon?

No, TSA body scanners generally cannot see inside your body to identify a tampon, as the millimeter wave technology doesn't penetrate skin; however, the density of menstrual products (like pads or even a tampon's applicator/material) can sometimes create an anomaly that flags for a pat-down, but they don't reveal what the product is, only that something is there. You might get pulled aside for extra screening, but it's usually quick and discreet, and you can request a private room for the pat-down. 

What is the 45 minute rule at the airport?

The "45-minute rule" at airports means most major airlines require passengers to complete check-in (including dropping bags) at least 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights, with some airlines like United Airlines enforcing it universally, while Delta requires it for bags but only 30 mins without, and American Airlines has similar deadlines, ensuring time for security, baggage processing, and boarding, with international flights needing even earlier arrival (often 60+ mins). Missing this cutoff can result in denied boarding or checked bags being offloaded, making early arrival crucial. 

Can I put my phone charger in my hand luggage?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters, and power banks) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks with lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on, never in checked bags, due to fire risks, with limits of 100Wh (around 20,000mAh) for standard travel and airline approval needed for larger ones (101-160Wh). Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on for security checks and convenience. 

Does CLEAR let you skip TSA?

TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR+? Together, CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck® give you the fastest route to your gate—without waiting in line at airport security (CLEAR+), and without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets (TSA PreCheck®).

Do I need to show my ID with CLEAR?

Yes, you need a valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) to enroll in CLEAR and for travel, but with CLEAR+, you use your biometrics (eyes/fingerprints) to bypass the ID check line at the TSA checkpoint; the ID is for enrollment verification, though some reports suggest the TSA might eventually require all CLEAR users to show ID, adding a potential layer of ID checks even with the service. 

Can a non-US citizen get CLEAR?

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get CLEAR, primarily through the CLEAR+ program, which accepts passports from the U.S. and numerous other countries (like Canada, UK, Australia, most of Europe, Japan, South Korea, etc.) for expedited airport security, though eligibility for basic CLEAR or certain combined benefits might have different rules. To join, international travelers enroll online and finish at an airport using their passport, verifying identity with biometrics.