Airport Shoe Removal: A Necessary Inconvenience?

In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires travellers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints. This is due to a 2001 incident where a man named Richard Reid attempted to detonate a homemade bomb hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami. While the attack was thwarted, the TSA began randomly checking passengers' shoes, and in 2006, the Department of Homeland Security mandated that all passengers must remove their shoes for screening. However, this rule has been criticised as unnecessary security theatre, and some airports have newer scanners that don't require shoe removal. Additionally, certain passengers, such as those with TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR membership, the elderly, and children under 12, are exempt from this requirement.

The shoe removal rule was implemented after Richard Reid's failed bombing attempt in 2001

On December 22, 2001, Richard Reid, also known as the "shoe bomber", boarded American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami with the intention of blowing up the plane. He had homemade bombs hidden in his shoes, which he had made himself. During the flight, Reid tried to detonate the explosives by lighting a fuse, but he was restrained by crew members and passengers who noticed what he was doing. The plane was diverted to Logan International Airport in Boston, where Reid was arrested and later charged and indicted.

As a direct result of Reid's failed bombing attempt, some airlines began encouraging passengers to pass through airport security in their socks or bare feet while their shoes were scanned for bombs. In 2006, the TSA implemented a requirement for all passengers to remove their shoes for screening. Scanners cannot detect PETN in shoes or strapped to a person, but they are effective in determining whether a shoe has been altered to hold a bomb. While the shoe removal rule was implemented as a direct response to Reid's attempt, it was not the only factor influencing the change. In 2006, another counter-terrorism operation thwarted a plot to blow up several jetliners, and the TSA's concern about explosives on planes led to the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage.

While the shoe removal rule was initially enforced for all passengers, it has since been relaxed for certain travellers. In 2011, the TSA introduced exemptions for children 12 and under and adults 75 and older, allowing them to keep their shoes on during security screenings. Additionally, passengers with TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR may also be exempt from removing their shoes at some airports.

The shoe removal rule has become a standard procedure at airports, with travellers expected to take off their shoes for screening. While it may be seen as an inconvenience, it is an important security measure to help ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

The rule is not uniformly enforced across all airports in the US

The rule regarding removing shoes at airport security checkpoints is not uniformly enforced across all airports in the US. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that travellers remove their shoes to speed up the screening process, it is not mandatory. However, you may be asked to remove your shoes if they trigger the metal detector or if you are selected for secondary screening.

The requirement to remove shoes at airport security was introduced in 2006 by the Department of Homeland Security, in response to a failed attack in 2001, where Richard Reid attempted to detonate a bomb hidden in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami. Interestingly, this rule is unique to the US, as other countries do not have the same requirement for travellers to remove their shoes.

The enforcement of this rule varies across different airports in the US. Some airports with newer scanners do not require travellers to remove their shoes, while others still enforce the rule. Additionally, certain groups, such as seniors over 75 and children under 12, are generally exempt from removing their shoes during TSA screening. PreCheck members and those with Global Entry are also exempt from removing shoes, as they are eligible for expedited screening.

The inconsistency in enforcement may be attributed to the introduction of new technology. In 2011, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano predicted that advancements in shoe-scanning technology would make shoe checks obsolete. However, as of 2024, the rule is still in place at many airports, albeit not uniformly enforced.

The TSA does not require you to remove shoes if you have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR

When going through airport security, it is standard procedure to remove your shoes. However, if you are a member of certain trusted traveller programmes, you may be exempt from this requirement. Specifically, if you have TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR, you do not need to remove your shoes when passing through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at US airports.

TSA PreCheck is a US government programme that allows low-risk travellers to undergo expedited screening at airports. Members of this programme are not required to remove their shoes when going through security. Global Entry is another US programme that provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Members of Global Entry can also keep their shoes on at TSA checkpoints.

Additionally, CLEAR is a private membership service that uses biometrics to verify a person's identity and speed up the process of passing through security checkpoints. Members of CLEAR can also keep their shoes on when going through TSA security. It is important to note that while these programmes offer the benefit of not having to remove your shoes, there may be exceptions or special circumstances where shoe removal is still required.

By participating in these trusted traveller programmes, members can enjoy a more streamlined and convenient airport experience. However, it is always a good idea to stay informed about the latest security requirements and be prepared for any changes or updates to the standard procedures.

The elderly (75+) and children under 12 are also exempt from removing shoes

In the United States, airport security procedures implemented by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) require passengers to remove their shoes for screening. This protocol was established in August 2006, following a counter-terrorism operation that foiled a plot to blow up multiple jetliners over the Atlantic Ocean. The shoe screening procedure was introduced due to a previous incident involving a "shoe bomber," Richard Reid, who attempted to detonate a homemade bomb hidden in his shoes on a transatlantic flight in December 2001.

While shoe removal is generally required for airport security, certain exemptions are in place for specific groups, including the elderly and children. Specifically, travelers aged 75 and older are exempt from removing their shoes during the screening process. This accommodation is in place to facilitate the security experience for older travelers, ensuring their comfort and convenience. Similarly, children under the age of 12 are also exempt from shoe removal, making the security process more manageable for younger travelers and their accompanying adults.

For elderly travelers over 75, keeping their shoes on during security checks can provide several benefits. Firstly, it eliminates the need for bending down or balancing on one foot, which may be challenging for older individuals with limited mobility or balance issues. Additionally, it streamlines the screening process, reducing the time spent at the security checkpoint, which can be advantageous for elderly travelers who may have difficulty standing or walking for extended periods.

Similarly, for children under 12, the exemption from shoe removal can make the security process less cumbersome and time-consuming. Children often require more time and assistance when removing and putting on their shoes, especially if they are still developing their fine motor skills. By allowing them to keep their shoes on, the security process becomes more efficient and less stressful for both children and their accompanying adults or guardians.

It is important to note that while the elderly (75+) and children under 12 are generally exempt from removing their shoes, there may be exceptions. In some cases, travelers in these age groups may still be asked to remove their shoes if they set off an alarm or are randomly selected for additional screening measures, such as a pat-down. However, accommodations are typically made to ensure their comfort and ease throughout the process.

The floors in the security area are often dirty and can be a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria

The floors in the security area of airports are often dirty and can be a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. This is due to the high volume of people walking through, often with shoes that have been in contact with unsanitary environments such as farms. The lack of sunlight and poor ventilation in security areas also contribute to the growth of fungi and bacteria.

Podiatry instructor at Atlanta's Emory University, Rami Calis, shares his concerns about the unsanitary nature of walking barefoot in airport security areas. He suggests that various infections, such as athlete's foot, staph, and pseudomonas, could be spread through direct contact with the floor or indirectly through cuts and openings in the skin. Calis also mentions the possibility of stepping on small tacks or sharp pebbles, which could cause injury and increase the risk of infection.

To address these concerns, some travellers choose to wear socks or carry disposable slip-on booties similar to those used in hospitals or spas. For individuals with diabetes, it is especially important to avoid walking barefoot as they may have a loss of protective feeling in their feet. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off and do not contain metal buckles or nails to reduce the likelihood of triggering the metal detector.

While the TSA does not require passengers to remove their shoes, doing so can expedite the screening process. This is because screeners are trained to look for suspicious footwear, and shoes that set off the metal detector will require additional inspection. Additionally, shoes in carry-on luggage may also be inspected, so it is advisable to pack them near the top of the bag.

In conclusion, the floors in airport security areas can pose a health risk due to the presence of fungi and bacteria. To minimise the risk of infection or injury, it is recommended to wear socks, disposable slip-on booties, or shoes that are easy to remove and do not contain metal. For individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes, taking extra precautions is essential.

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