Shoe Removal Now Mandatory at US Airports
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA Platinum MM; DL Silver; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Hilton Gold; Marriott Gold
Posts: 24,248
Originally Posted by Spiff
It's really none of your business whether I continue to fly or not.
However, I have qualified that if this nonsense is in place at the time of my next scheduled flight then I will cancel. Got it?
I'm pretty sure they don't make you take off your shoes or leave your water behind when boarding a Greyhound bus.
#32
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 57,952
Originally Posted by SAT Lawyer
I would agree, but for the fact that you are the one spearheading the protest.
Be my guest. Nobody at the airline or in the government will so much as bat an eye because you don't fly.
I'm pretty sure they don't make you take off your shoes or leave your water behind when boarding a Greyhound bus.
Be my guest. Nobody at the airline or in the government will so much as bat an eye because you don't fly.
I'm pretty sure they don't make you take off your shoes or leave your water behind when boarding a Greyhound bus.
#33
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: QF WP, AA EXP
Posts: 3,520
What about using the medical device option?
If you tell them that they are orthopedic shoes, there is no removal (as long as they don't alarm). You still have to go through the BS secondary, but you win on the fact that you don't remove them.
If you tell them that they are orthopedic shoes, there is no removal (as long as they don't alarm). You still have to go through the BS secondary, but you win on the fact that you don't remove them.
#34
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Land of ORD
Programs: AA Plat UA Premier
Posts: 9,152
Today at TPA shoes off is mandatory. Usually it is a swab and a smile and I am on my way. I have them broken in pretty well.
Since the shoes had to come off today, I asked if I could sit down and take them off and it was no problem for the TSA guys. They swabbed and Xrayed the sneakers..
But here is the important thing. They did it in a dignified manner and with respect. No screaming or hysterics.
PS. I just saw a pilot walk on the plane with a cup of coffee!
Since the shoes had to come off today, I asked if I could sit down and take them off and it was no problem for the TSA guys. They swabbed and Xrayed the sneakers..
But here is the important thing. They did it in a dignified manner and with respect. No screaming or hysterics.
PS. I just saw a pilot walk on the plane with a cup of coffee!
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA Platinum MM; DL Silver; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Hilton Gold; Marriott Gold
Posts: 24,248
Originally Posted by rar indeed
This just shows how idiotic the "security" program is.
#39
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K, Starwood/Marriott Plat, Others of little note
Posts: 1,148
Originally Posted by rar indeed
Sigh... The train to the bay area looks very attractive right now...
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
Originally Posted by work2fly
Serious question:
What security risk is associated with shoes?
Is it that the soles can be hollowed out and filled with an explosive and an ignition device?
What security risk is associated with shoes?
Is it that the soles can be hollowed out and filled with an explosive and an ignition device?
#41
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA, AA
Posts: 4,039
Originally Posted by jedison
Unfortunately, that pesky train can run as much as 24 hours behind schedule, and routinely several hours.
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA Platinum MM; DL Silver; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Hilton Gold; Marriott Gold
Posts: 24,248
Originally Posted by work2fly
Serious question:
What security risk is associated with shoes?
Is it that the soles can be hollowed out and filled with an explosive and an ignition device?
What security risk is associated with shoes?
Is it that the soles can be hollowed out and filled with an explosive and an ignition device?
We have Richard Reid to thank for this.
#44
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: unreserved car luggage rack
Programs: Indian Railways Wallah Program
Posts: 6,532
Originally Posted by work2fly
Then what the heck's wrong with the TSA wanting to check shoes for metal and evidence of explosive material??
I've got nothing to hide - and it saves me money on enema supplies!
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,037
Originally Posted by SAT Lawyer
To the contrary, that's my point. I don't think I have ever seen Spiff endorse a specific airport security measure. I was surprised to learn that he is a happy camper when it comes to the swabbing of his shoes. You learn something every day, I guess.
As for me, I don't see a material difference between being forced to remove my shoes and being swabbed during a secondary screening (other than perhaps the potential for clean socks or feet). Both are an inconvenience and an annoyance.
As for me, I don't see a material difference between being forced to remove my shoes and being swabbed during a secondary screening (other than perhaps the potential for clean socks or feet). Both are an inconvenience and an annoyance.
People are happy with the swabbing because when FFers deny the request to remove shoes, that's a bruise to a TSAers ego. Many times, instead of the SOP swab, they mandate you to secondary (under the lie of 'continuous screening').
I don't think most are happy with swabbing, but it beats the retaliatory secondaries.