Hygiene: Can I request not to take my shoes off?
Jul 24, 2007, 7:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Orchard Field
Posts: 1,421
Hygiene: Can I request not to take my shoes off?
The thought of walking over that filthy floor in my socks is horrible. Plus, I have a plantar wart on the bottom of one of my feet, although it'd be covered by the socks.
While we're on the subject, is there any way to avoid putting my expensive suit jacket into that disgusting, never-cleaned gray box which everyone's shoes have been in?
While we're on the subject, is there any way to avoid putting my expensive suit jacket into that disgusting, never-cleaned gray box which everyone's shoes have been in?
Jul 24, 2007, 7:47 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 736
I too find the shoe take off thing disgusting. I haven't raised much of a fuss about it, though I do mumble how gross it is while waiting for them to come out of the x ray.
I tend to take them off at the very last second, I don't take them off well far back in the line like the sheeple.
Also, if the xray is far from the wtmd, I do sometimes mention this is disgusting to the TSO, in a nice way. The more they get the message, the more the slight possibility this unsanitary practice will end.
I tend to take them off at the very last second, I don't take them off well far back in the line like the sheeple.
Also, if the xray is far from the wtmd, I do sometimes mention this is disgusting to the TSO, in a nice way. The more they get the message, the more the slight possibility this unsanitary practice will end.
Jul 24, 2007, 7:52 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX-TPE-LAX
Programs: No more status...just doing my best in burning my points/miles.
Posts: 2,003
I tend to take them off at the very last second, I don't take them off well far back in the line like the sheeple.
Also, if the xray is far from the wtmd, I do sometimes mention this is disgusting to the TSO, in a nice way. The more they get the message, the more the slight possibility this unsanitary practice will end.
The TSO's are just sheep too. We should make KH take off his shoes and walk around in the filth he calls airport security.
Jul 24, 2007, 7:53 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: America's Finest City
Posts: 10,936
Last time I brought paper towels to put on the bottom of the bin. Or you could bring a large plastic bag to protect it.
Jul 24, 2007, 8:50 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: BWI
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Jul 24, 2007, 9:40 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: In the corner plotting world domination
Programs: 1K
Posts: 1,122
Will the screeners allow little blue paper booties for the feet - like the ones you sometimes see at 'Open-houses' or at hospitals? Maybe that would satisfy OPs footwear issue.
DD
DD
Jul 24, 2007, 9:43 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: OKC
Programs: HH Gold, Marriott Platinum, AA EXP, National Executive Elite
Posts: 263
Jul 24, 2007, 10:08 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: VA - US
Programs: Anything and everything I can sign up for. At least the ones I can get some benefit from.
Posts: 141
Usually get them in lots of 24-50, and carry at least 4 pairs in my backpack on every trip. I refuse to walk thru airports barefoot. I get a few strange looks, but then I hear quite a few "why didn't we think of that?"
Safe travels
Tim
Jul 25, 2007, 12:09 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,449
The "temple socks" I used in SE Asia are now my "(in)security socks." Just can't do summer/sandal weather without them. If you see someone dancing around on one foot putting on socks as she approaches the belt, that would likely be me.
Jul 25, 2007, 12:10 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 754
I too find the shoe take off thing disgusting. I haven't raised much of a fuss about it, though I do mumble how gross it is while waiting for them to come out of the x ray.
I tend to take them off at the very last second, I don't take them off well far back in the line like the sheeple.
Also, if the xray is far from the wtmd, I do sometimes mention this is disgusting to the TSO, in a nice way. The more they get the message, the more the slight possibility this unsanitary practice will end.
I tend to take them off at the very last second, I don't take them off well far back in the line like the sheeple.
Also, if the xray is far from the wtmd, I do sometimes mention this is disgusting to the TSO, in a nice way. The more they get the message, the more the slight possibility this unsanitary practice will end.
Jul 25, 2007, 12:18 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: MIA/ATL
Posts: 1,482
Jul 25, 2007, 12:52 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: America's Finest City
Posts: 10,936
I've brought those, too. Just be careful taking them off after they have touched that foul floor.
Jul 25, 2007, 5:18 am
#14
Suspended
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,953
The thought of walking over that filthy floor in my socks is horrible. Plus, I have a plantar wart on the bottom of one of my feet, although it'd be covered by the socks.
While we're on the subject, is there any way to avoid putting my expensive suit jacket into that disgusting, never-cleaned gray box which everyone's shoes have been in?
While we're on the subject, is there any way to avoid putting my expensive suit jacket into that disgusting, never-cleaned gray box which everyone's shoes have been in?
Jul 25, 2007, 5:38 am
#15
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,972
Providing that you are wearing a substantial pair of shoes and not loafers or flip-flops, just tell them you have orthopedic shoes and can't take them off. You'll have to get them swabbed but they can't force you to remove them NOR require you to explain the reason for wearing "orthopedic" shoes. Works for me.