<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Dromomaniac:
On paper, shoe removal may be optional.
In practice, if I don't take off my shoes at SFO, I will be escorted to secondary, where I will have to take off my shoes.
Are those rubber mats any cleaner than the carpet floor?</font>
You hit the nail on the head. Per the website and policy on "paper", it's not required. At many airports, in reality, it is required.
This past Friday I was told to take my shoes off. The carpeted floor was dirty and nasty. I told the TSA agent (respectfully) that the carpeted floor was dirty and nasty. He waived me through, no beep, yet off I goto secondary because I didn't remove them.
The floor in the area for secondary was a bit better, but still quite nasty. I had no choice but to remove my shoes to be x-rayed and get a full wanding. I suppose I could of declined further screening, but then I wouldn't be getting on the flight.
The official TSA shoe policy is a bunch of bull$hit.
There are some screeners who are familiar with the policy and as long as you don't beep, you're fine. Unfortunately, there are just as many that will put you through secondary, with manditory shoes off, after you clear without beeping just because you didn't remove your shoes (or sandals).
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