Puffer and shoe removal
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,034
Puffer and shoe removal
Since the question seems to have been overlooked in the designated thread, I'll bring up what I learned today from a three-striper.
Going through the Puffer no longer exempts you from shoe removal.
Going through the Puffer no longer exempts you from shoe removal.
#2
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: Vanishing
Posts: 1,681
Originally Posted by LessO2
Going through the Puffer no longer exempts you from shoe removal.
#3
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Brattleboro, VT
Posts: 706
I had that experience too. They said they had to x-ray them too. Why bother with the puffer at all? I don't get it.
So is the thinking that there might be plastic explosives that won't be picked up by the x-ray but will be caught by the puffer, but the x-ray will pick up the massive detonation device in my flip-flops which don't have explosives in them because I've been cleared by the puffer? Am I clear about this?
So is the thinking that there might be plastic explosives that won't be picked up by the x-ray but will be caught by the puffer, but the x-ray will pick up the massive detonation device in my flip-flops which don't have explosives in them because I've been cleared by the puffer? Am I clear about this?
#4
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SLC/DCA
Programs: DL DM (and NRSA), UA NA, HH Dia, National Exec Elite
Posts: 1,764
Originally Posted by Brattflyer
I had that experience too. They said they had to x-ray them too. Why bother with the puffer at all? I don't get it.
#5
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,034
Originally Posted by majorwibi
The puffer isnt just about your shoes. Its about detecting potential trace explosives that you could be carrying on your body. And since I have had the experience of the puffer working like it was designed to (I work for the DoD and work with C4 and other explosives daily during the summer months) I actually feel fairly confident in its ability to detect if you have even been around explosives.
I'm all for using the puffer, it's the first thing put at the checkpoint that enhances security in a very long time (including the TSA).
#6
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M




Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 58,133
Originally Posted by majorwibi
The puffer isnt just about your shoes. Its about detecting potential trace explosives that you could be carrying on your body. And since I have had the experience of the puffer working like it was designed to (I work for the DoD and work with C4 and other explosives daily during the summer months) I actually feel fairly confident in its ability to detect if you have even been around explosives.
Shoe removal is completely unnecessary for those who go through the puffer or are ETDed.
Comrade Hawley is a true un-American piece of garbage for making everyone take off their shoes. He's a small-minded little coward who couldn't secure a paper sack.
#7




Join Date: May 2005
Location: Dulles, VA
Programs: United Airlines 1 MM, Marriott Life Titanium
Posts: 2,777
Originally Posted by majorwibi
The puffer isnt just about your shoes. Its about detecting potential trace explosives that you could be carrying on your body. And since I have had the experience of the puffer working like it was designed to (I work for the DoD and work with C4 and other explosives daily during the summer months) I actually feel fairly confident in its ability to detect if you have even been around explosives.
#8
Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M




Join Date: May 2000
Location: Louisville, KY
Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)
Posts: 58,133
Originally Posted by catocony
What happens if you fart while in the puffer machine? I usually hold my gas for the TSA agent when they bend down behind me to wand the back of my slacks, but if I'm in the puffer and let loose a silent but deadly, can I cause a security alarm?
#9
Used to be Sydneysider
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: CPH
Programs: AS MVP/Gold (and 75K aspirant)
Posts: 2,984
Originally Posted by Spiff
If there are explosives in or on your shoes, the puffer will detect them.
Shoe removal is completely unnecessary for those who go through the puffer or are ETDed.
Comrade Hawley is a true un-American piece of garbage for making everyone take off their shoes. He's a small-minded little coward who couldn't secure a paper sack.
Shoe removal is completely unnecessary for those who go through the puffer or are ETDed.
Comrade Hawley is a true un-American piece of garbage for making everyone take off their shoes. He's a small-minded little coward who couldn't secure a paper sack.
Do TSA staffers even know what this machine does? It was bad enough having to remove a coat walking through these before, but having to take off shoes renders the TSA's use of this equipment a total waste of money.
Wake the %$#!* up, you idiots!
#10
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: LANCASTER, NY USA
Programs: NW/Plat, Sheraton/Plat, Marriott/Plat, Emerald Exec Elite
Posts: 213
Originally Posted by catocony
What happens if you fart while in the puffer machine? I usually hold my gas for the TSA agent when they bend down behind me to wand the back of my slacks, but if I'm in the puffer and let loose a silent but deadly, can I cause a security alarm?
^

