Airport Security And Shoe Inserts: What's Allowed?

Whether or not shoe inserts are allowed through airport security has been a topic of discussion for many travellers. While some sources suggest that gel shoe inserts are banned by the TSA, others claim that this policy has changed and gel inserts are now permitted. Memory foam inserts are also allowed, though travellers may be stopped and searched. Ultimately, the decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.

Foam shoe inserts are allowed through airport security

However, it is worth noting that TSA officers have the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint, and some travellers have reported being stopped for their foam inserts. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to bring written medical advice for your inserts, as this may allow you to keep your shoes on while going through security.

Additionally, if your shoes have extra layers or unusual materials, they may be flagged for further inspection. Airport scanners can detect the type of material in your shoes and will be able to see if any additions are harmless. If you are travelling with customised shoes, be prepared for the possibility of extra screening.

Overall, foam shoe inserts are generally allowed through airport security, but it is always a good idea to be prepared for any situation that may arise.

Gel shoe inserts were banned but are now permitted

If you're planning to travel by air, it's important to be aware of the latest regulations regarding what you can and cannot bring with you. In the past, gel shoe inserts were prohibited for flights to, from, or within the USA. However, it's good news for those who require gel inserts for their footwear, as the TSA has since changed its policy. Gel shoe inserts are now permitted and can be worn in airports and on planes.

This change in policy is a welcome development, especially for those who need gel inserts for comfort or medical reasons. It's worth noting that while gel inserts are now allowed, you may still need to remove your shoes and put them through the scanner during the security screening process. This is a standard procedure for anyone who is not enrolled in a pre-check programme.

It's always a good idea to be prepared and know what to expect when passing through airport security. In addition to gel shoe inserts, travellers are allowed to wear other types of shoe inserts, such as memory foam or custom-made inserts. These inserts are typically used to provide support or comfort and are made from materials commonly found in shoes.

While shoe inserts are generally permitted, it's important to remember that the final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. They may ask you to remove your shoes for inspection, so be prepared to comply with their requests. Additionally, it's recommended to have written medical advice with you, especially if you have a medical condition that requires the use of shoe inserts. This can help expedite the security process and ensure a smoother travel experience.

Shoe inserts are considered a medical device

Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are prescribed medical devices crafted by a podiatrist to fit an individual's unique foot structure and address any structural or biomechanical issues. They are typically made from semi-rigid materials like plastic or graphite and are used to treat foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendinitis, and diabetic foot ulcers.

When passing through airport security, it is recommended to inform the TSA officers about your shoe inserts, especially if they are required for medical reasons. While there have been reports of TSA officers allowing shoe inserts without any issues, others have mentioned the possibility of being hassled or subjected to additional searches. Having written medical advice or a prescription from a doctor can be helpful in such cases.

Additionally, it is worth noting that TSA officers have the final decision-making authority on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with the relevant airport authorities or the TSA for the most up-to-date information regarding what items are permitted.

TSA officers have the final say on whether an item is allowed

When it comes to airport security, the final decision on whether an item is allowed or not rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. This means that even if an item is generally permitted, a TSA officer may still decide to prohibit it based on their judgment. This discretion is essential to ensure the safety and security of air travel, and passengers should be prepared for potential variations in the enforcement of rules.

In the case of shoe inserts, particularly those made of gel, there has been some confusion and conflicting information. While gel shoe inserts were banned by the TSA at one point, there are indications that the policy has since changed. Official sources now suggest that gel shoe inserts are allowed, provided they are worn inside the airport and on the plane. This change in policy is likely a relief for many travellers who value the comfort provided by these inserts when navigating long airport terminals.

However, it is important to note that TSA officers have the authority to make the final call on whether a particular type of shoe insert is permitted. This means that even with the updated policy, travellers may still encounter inconsistencies or be asked to remove their inserts. To minimise potential issues, it is advisable to be prepared for the possibility of having to take off your shoes and go through additional screening procedures.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some airports and countries may have their own unique policies and procedures regarding shoe inserts and security checks. For example, there have been reports of travellers encountering stricter rules on gel inserts in the US compared to Europe. As such, it is always a good idea to check the specific regulations of your departure and arrival airports, as well as any connecting flights, to ensure a smoother travel experience.

Scanners can detect the material of shoe inserts

Millimetre-wave technology is used to scan shoes and detect a wide variety of potential weapons or threats. This technology can even detect an F-shaped piece of metal concealed in the sole of a shoe. The U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory developed the original holographic millimetre-wave scanning technology, which is now used at airports worldwide.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is currently developing new millimetre-wave shoe-scanning technology that will allow passengers to keep their shoes on while being screened for prohibited items. The premise is simple: you step onto a platform, placing each foot in a marked area. The millimetre-wave technology scans your shoe and sends the data to a computer. The computer then runs an automated detection algorithm and gives a red or green light to the checkpoint officer. The machine relays the image in slices, building up the photo of the shoes on the computer screen, layer by layer.

The TSA tested this new technology at CES 2025. A CNET journalist placed a variety of small objects, including a dental floss pick, a gummy worm, a mustard packet, and a plastic knife, inside her shoe before stepping onto the scanning platform. The TSA officer was able to point out the condiment packet and the outline of the plastic knife, but gummy worm detection needed some work.

The new millimetre-wave shoe-scanning technology is still a prototype, and data from the CES 2025 demonstration will be used for further development.

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