<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by sowalsky:
the machines are fine --- they're just cranked up to a rediculous level.
they are supposed to be calibrated so they do NOT sound off to metal shanks and underwire bras. such high detection proves nothing and says tons about "image" versus "effectiveness"</font>
FWIW, I've *never* had a WTMD beep at any major European airport when wearing shoes with metal shanks. At any US airport, the same shoes would beep as the machines are cranked up so high.
I believe your statement of "image" versus "effectiveness" is quite accurate.
As such, I often (but not always) wear TSA "friendly" footwear, but more often than not it seems I'm being told to remove the footwear regardless of the fact it won't alarm.
Best,
SDF_Traveler
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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin
[This message has been edited by SDF_Traveler (edited Dec 21, 2003).]