Originally Posted by Bart

Please keep in mind that I only used that to illustrate the methodology behind the judgment calls but that this was not, in itself, an example of an actual change.

I disagree with your opinion. On Thursday, I had to confiscate children's cough medicine from a mother whose baby was clearly sick. On Friday, turns out that I could have allowed it. The difference is that Friday's guidance allowed me more flexibility to exercise judgment and discretion.

As for the paper socks, I think that's a matter of a bureaucratic blunder that is finally paying off. Back in 2002, when TSA first started requiring shoes to be removed, if I recall correctly, these paper booties were available in the supply catalog. And many airports ordered these items until TSA put the word out that it was not going to keep these in stock. I don't know if they remained in stock or if they simply were banned as TSA purchases. What I do know is that boxes of these paper booties remained inside of supply rooms at some airports while others simply issued them to passengers until supplies ran out. In view of the August 10th measures, I think that some FSDs took advantage of this as an opportunity to get rid of these surpluses.

My advice still stands about packing an extra pair of socks. Relying on an assumption that a TSA checkpoint will have booties available is an erroneous one.

Also, how much more money are you willing to pay to supply these booties in terms of hidden security costs?

I, too, am a taxpayer and don't want to pay any more than I have to. How about you?