Nope, shoe removal has never been mandatory. For the longest time, airports just did there own policies as far as shoes. Finally TSA issued a strict policy on it.

And when a threat level changes, the policies don't generally change.

Of course a lot more would go into a lawsuit about feet. You'd have to prove you got it from that airport, which means testing of the airport floors.

You'd also have to state exaclty what the TSA agent said to you. Did they demand it or suggest it. Many people say we demand shoe's off, but when asked, they usually state "that we suggested it, what's the difference?" (I'm not a lawyer and don't know if that would hold any water btw)

Can TSA that the floors are cleaned on a daily basis? My airport can, because it doesnt operate on 24 hour basis. Also the floor gets cleaned when items are spilled or people with powder on their feet take off their shoes.



[This message has been edited by screenerx (edited 11-03-2003).]