Non-PreCheck Travelers Can Now Keep on Their Shoes at TSA Security Checkpoints
Read today's edition of Gate Access • July 7th, 2025
Happy Monday. A couple of updates. Continue to expect Monday deliveries, but they’ll resemble today’s email, which is topic-focused. Wednesdays, expect “On The Radar,” a round-up of news I believe you should know. Let’s get into today’s edition.
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👀 Non-PreCheck Travelers Can Now Keep on Their Shoes at TSA Security Checkpoints
On Friday, I received a tip that TSA is pulling back its requirement for standard travelers to remove their shoes during security screenings.
That announcement has since gone viral on multiple social media platforms, and many questions have arisen.
The top questions are: Is this even true, and what does this mean for TSA PreCheck?
Is this true? Yes, I wouldn’t share it with you if it weren’t. TSA officers are learning about this change in real-time. It’s not uncommon for officers to learn of new policy changes from the media, as internal communication can be slow.
Although airports are currently practicing this, TSA has yet to make an official announcement. I’ll make sure to share it with you once they do.
As for now, you can keep your shoes on when going through TSA.
I believe leaders are currently discussing how they want to alert the traveling public because they’re is a potential looming problem.
The problem? Travelers canceling PreCheck because they no longer see the value.
What does this mean for TSA PreCheck? Only time will tell, but I have a theory. This is not confirmed, but I believe TSA PreCheck will dissolve, and a private company like CLEAR will provide the perk. Think of a CLEAR-only lane or checkpoint at U.S. airports.
The TSA model is costly and unwisely makes TSA both the regulator and the regulated organization responsible for screening operations. As part of an effort to shrink federal bureaucracies and bring private-sector know-how to government programs, TSA is ripe for reform.
- Project 2025
If you’re wondering whether to renew your TSA PreCheck status, I would. I believe if the change actually happened, the agency will roll over members to the new provider, potentially allowing you to get in at a discount or not changing the application process at all.
Currently, you can apply for TSA PreCheck through CLEAR, so that relationship is already established.
I know this sounds extreme, but given what we’ve already seen happen since the new presidential administration took office, I think this is logical.
I also believe that whatever the change will be, specific individuals will capitalize on the deal.
Over 40 million people currently hold a TSA PreCheck membership. Allowing a private company like CLEAR to lead this program will likely boost its stock.
Still think this is an unusual play? Well… just so you know, Elon Musk has received at least $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies, and tax credits, according to The Washington Post.
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