If you’ve ever sprinted through Orlando International Airport (MCO) with a toddler in one hand, a backpack full of snacks in the other, and your shoes halfway back at the security belt, we’ve got news you’re going to love.
The dreaded TSA shoe rule — yes, the one that forces every tourist, grandma, and Disney-bound influencer to strip down at the checkpoint — is on its way out. Finally.
And if you’re one of the tens of millions of guests flying to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or anywhere in the vacation capital of the U.S., this change might be the best news since Genie+ got snapped out of existence.
So, Are We Really Done Taking Off Our Shoes?
According to a leaked TSA memo first reported by Gate Access and later picked up by ABC News, standard security lines at U.S. airports will soon stop requiring passengers to remove their shoes. The policy is already rolling out at some airports and is expected to expand nationwide.
No more TSA PreCheck needed. No more performing a balancing act while trying to wrestle your sneakers off with one hand and juggle your iPad and refillable water bottle with the other.
And yes, that includes Orlando International Airport, the not-so-magical place where every great Disney vacation begins — or gets delayed by a 45-minute security line and a bin shortage.
Why This Is a Big Deal for Disney Travelers
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Orlando airport security can be a hot mess.
With MCO welcoming more than 50 million travelers a year (and about 70% of them headed for theme parks), it’s one of the most trafficked — and most stressful — airports in the country. Add school holidays, stroller traffic, suitcases stuffed with Loungefly bags, and parents trying to scan boarding passes while their kids have a meltdown in line, and you’ve got the perfect storm.
Now subtract the whole “everyone take off your shoes and shuffle through barefoot” routine? That’s going to speed things up. A lot.
Think of it as a quality-of-life upgrade for the airport experience — and one that might actually make rope-dropping Magic Kingdom after an early flight possible again.
What’s Taking So Long? Blame the Shoe Bomber
The shoe rule dates back to 2002 after Richard Reid — aka the “shoe bomber” — tried to detonate explosives on a flight from Paris to Miami in December 2001. Since then, taking off your shoes has become a frustratingly normal part of traveling in the U.S., even as other countries ditched the policy years ago.
Unless you paid for TSA PreCheck (about $85 for five years), or you’re under 12 or over 75, you’ve been stuck hopping around the cold tile floor while trying to unlace your Vans.
This new change, however, would apply to everyone in the regular security line — and that’s a big win for families flying to Florida’s theme parks.
Will This Really Fix the Orlando Airport Experience?
Not entirely. Let’s be honest — MCO has a lot of issues. Delays, rental car lines, confusing signage, and that one monorail that somehow feels slower than the one at Disney.
But removing the shoe requirement is a tangible win, and it’s one of the first major changes to TSA protocol in years that actually benefits the average traveler.
And if you think this sounds too good to be true, hold onto your Crocs — a formal announcement is reportedly coming from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who’s scheduled to hold a press conference at Reagan National Airport in D.C. She’s expected to outline a plan to “make screening easier for passengers, improve traveler satisfaction, and reduce wait times.”
So yes, this could be real. And it could be happening just in time for fall break, Halloween parties at Magic Kingdom, and holiday vacation season.
But Wait — Who Fired the TSA Guy?
This whole shake-up comes just months after TSA Administrator David Pekoske was fired by former President Trump (even though Trump appointed him originally). President Biden reappointed him, but apparently, he didn’t stick around. No reason was given for his removal, and the top job remains unfilled — which may explain why we’re seeing major shifts in policy like this now.
The TSA, for its part, is keeping things vague:
“TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance passenger experience and our strong security posture,” a spokesperson said. “Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels.”
Disney Trip Might Just Get Smoother
If you’ve ever had to unpack your life at a TSA checkpoint while a security officer shouted “Remove all items from your pockets!” and your toddler made a break for Terminal B, this change is for you.
Will it fix the chaos at MCO? Not completely. But if it means spending less time in line, less fumbling with your flip-flops, and more time getting to that airport Joffrey’s coffee cart before your 7 a.m. boarding call — we’ll take it.
Get ready to roll through security, sneakers and all.
