Originally Posted by Bart
If you insist on not removing your shoes at all, even after they alarm the WTMD, then you don't have to take them off. The TSA SOP previously required us to have shoes removed for secondary screening. That is no longer the case. Screeners are allowed to screen shoes using explosives detection technology while the person being screened is still wearing them. This will add a few minutes to your time at the checkpoint. It is easier if you remove your shoes. But TSA can accomodate those who strongly object to removing their shoes.
Bart and TSAMGR, thanks for the quick responses. Perhaps I am dense about certain aspects or maybe it is because certain procedures have been entrenched in my mind from traveling.
I certainly understand that TSA is looking for more than metal shanks, but at least the shoe box gives a warning of one of the two things that will cause additional screeing. And if it is "criteria" footwear, would not you be told before you walk through that it meets the "criteria"?
Am I correct in understanding that if my shoes do alarm that explosive detection technology can be used and my shoes will not have to be taken off to go through x-ray? If so, then how does this prevent a knife (not that it should be prevented, but that is for another thread on another day) from being found in my shoes then?
I will be traveling with my mother-in-law on Wednesday and she is pretty unhappy when has to take off her shoes (she is so easy-going that when something does get to her, you tend to sit up and take notice). So if what I am understanding is true, then if she alarms she can ask for the explosive detection technology review and will not have to have to remove her shoes. She would probably be happy to hear that.