Do I need to take off my shoes at KS airports? What you need to get through security
Going through airport security just got a little bit easier for U.S. travelers, including those in Kansas.
That’s because the Transportation Security Administration recently eliminated its no-shoes policy, meaning the extra step of taking off your shoes will no longer be required at TSA-operated airports. Previously, wearing shoes through security was reserved for TSA PreCheck travelers.
“We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a July 8 press release.
So, what does that mean for Kansas airports? Here’s what to know.
Do you need to remove your shoes at security in Kansas airports?
The change to the no-shoes policy is effective immediately.
Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, the state’s largest airport, has implemented the policy change, air service and marketing manager Valerie Wise told The Wichita Eagle.
“[Travelers] have been pleasantly surprised and thrilled they don’t have to remove their shoes,” Wise said.
The airport offers 16 nonstop flights out of Wichita, including five seasonal.
Other Kansas airports are also rolling back shoes-off security measures. Garden City Regional Airport, which offers flights to Dallas, implemented the change July 7, its director of aviation Rachelle Powell confirmed.
Manhattan Regional Airport, which offers flights to Dallas and Chicago, also confirmed its no-shoes policy has been updated.
“Many customers are delighted for the change,” airport director Brandon Keazer wrote in an email to The Wichita Eagle.
Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport director Bryan Fornwalt confirmed the policy change over the phone, and said that travelers were enjoying keeping their shoes on at security. Liberal offers service to Denver.
Salina Regional Airport’s business and communications manager Kasey Windhorst said while it’s no longer required, some travelers may still be asked to take off their shoes while going through security at the facility.
“TSA officers still retain discretion to randomly select a traveler for extra checks, which could include shoe inspection,” Windhorst wrote in an email to The Eagle.
Salina offers flights to Chicago, Houston and Denver.
The Wichita Eagle has reached out to Hays Regional Airport and Dodge City Airport on the policy change. The Topeka Regional Airport does not currently have an airline, the airport authority told The Eagle.
What do I need to get through security at Kansas airports?
The shoes-off policy began in 2006 in response to a 2001 incident when Richard Reid, now known as the “shoe-bomber,” attempted to detonate an explosive device built into his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami. He was unsuccessful and detained by crew and passengers.
In order to get through a TSA checkpoint, all travelers must present an acceptable government-issued form of identification.
As of May 7, domestic travelers must have a REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant form of identification. A REAL ID, issued by each state features a gold star in the upper right hand corner. If a traveler does not have a REAL ID, they can also travel with a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, a foreign government-issued passport, a veteran health identification card and more.
Most TSA checkpoints require screening of carry-on and personal items, as well as body scans or pat down checks.
This story was originally published July 10, 2025 at 11:06 AM.
