Do people over 70 have to remove shoes at airport security?

Here are some tips: Special TSA Security Screening for Passengers 75 and older – Passengers 75 and older are not required to remove their shoes and light jacket at the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoint, and they are allowed an extra pass through Advanced Imaging Technology devices.



Excellent question. The short answer is no, people over 70 are not automatically exempt from removing their shoes at airport security in the United States or most other countries.

However, there are important programs and exceptions that often apply to seniors, making it likely they can keep their shoes on.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. TSA PreCheck® (U.S. Specific)

This is the most common way travelers of any age keep their shoes on. TSA PreCheck members do not have to remove shoes, light jackets, or belts, and they can leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags. Age is not a factor for eligibility; anyone can apply (for a fee and an interview). Seniors 75 and older get a modified screening process even without PreCheck, which often includes keeping shoes on (see below).

2. TSA Modified Screening for Passengers 75 and Older (U.S. Specific)

The TSA has specific guidelines for passengers 75 and older: They may keep their shoes and light jackets on during screening. They are allowed to go through the walk-through metal detector instead of the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanner, if available. This is not a guaranteed exemption. The final decision rests with the TSA officer based on security needs. If shoes are bulky, have thick soles, or trigger an alarm, the officer may still ask for them to be removed.

3. General Exceptions for All Ages (U.S. and Many Other Countries)

Certain types of footwear are more likely to require removal for anyone: Boots (especially

People Also Ask

When you pass by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), they can authorize you to take off your shoes as part of their security screening procedures. The only exemptions are: Children under 12 years old. Adults 75 years of age and older.

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Non-PreCheck members aged 13-74 still have to remove light jackets, shoes, and belts before going through security. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and consider wearing pants or shorts that do not require a belt. Ensure your clothing does not have metal on it and remove piercings or other metal from your body.

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You may leave on your shoes and light jacket during screening. If you alarm during security screening, you may be required to remove your shoes for further screening or undergo a pat-down.

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Taking off our shoes at the airport has become the new normal for almost everyone traveling on a commercial flight. Exceptions to the rule: security pre-screened passengers with TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR, the elderly (over 75), and children under the age of 12.

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Don't wear shoes with steel tips, steel heels, steel shanks, metal buckles, or nails. Tennis shoes are usually a safe bet. If you know that your shoes set off the alarm on the metal detector, wear something else while flying. Shoes in your carry-on luggage might also be a problem.

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It is generally recommended to remove all metal items, including underwire bras, before going through airport security. Can I wear an underwire bra to an airport? Yes you can wear an underwire bra. Depending on TSA standards in scanning, a metal detector may be sensitive enough to pick-up the bra.

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Anything Metal
Metal jewelry and piercings can set off the metal detector. Likewise, belt buckles can easily cause issues, and most TSA rules and regulations require you to remove them anyway.

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Special TSA Security Screening for Passengers 75 and older – Passengers 75 and older are not required to remove their shoes and light jacket at the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoint, and they are allowed an extra pass through Advanced Imaging Technology devices.

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Do seniors automatically get PreCheck? No. Anyone who wants to receive PreCheck needs to apply. However, TSA does provide people who are 75 years old or older access to an expedited screening process in the regular screening lines: You can keep your light jacket and shoes on.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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If you are older than 75, the federal Transportation Safety Agency will make special accommodations for you when it comes to going through security. However, you may experience some delay if you have a wearable medical device or medical equipment, which must get checked separately.

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One way to try to avoid this from happening is to look for underwire bras with plastic, not metal, underwires. Or, consider wearing a sports bra or wireless bra. Ultimately, it comes down to preference and whether or not you want to risk potentially having a stop during a security check.

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As a guide, anything larger than A5 size or an iPad mini needs to be placed in a tray with nothing covering it up. If you can spray, spread or pour something at room temperature, it counts as a liquid in aviation security terms. This includes aerosols such as asthma inhalers and foodstuffs, like butter or jam.

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You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.

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Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They're fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage. The same applies for straight razors.

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