Lois Larson
Taking off shoes at airport security checkpoints has become a common practice for travellers across the world. This procedure was implemented following a foiled terrorist attack in 2001, where a passenger, Richard Reid, attempted to detonate a bomb hidden in the heels of his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami. While the attack was unsuccessful, it led to the establishment of new security protocols by the Department of Homeland Security in 2006, requiring all passengers to remove their shoes for screening. However, this rule has been controversial, with some arguing that it is unnecessary and a potential health hazard, exposing travellers to various infections and injuries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | To prevent shoe bombs and to speed up screening |
| Exceptions | Known travelers with TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR, the elderly (over 75), and children under the age of 12 |
| Health Hazards | Exposure to fungus and injury |
| Alternative | Shoe-scanning technology |
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What You'll Learn
Health hazard: exposing feet to fungus and injury
Taking off shoes at airport security checkpoints exposes travellers' feet to potential health hazards, including fungal infections and injuries.
The floors at security checkpoints are often dirty and lack sunlight, creating an ideal environment for fungi to thrive. This increases the risk of contracting highly contagious fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, characterised by cracked and itchy feet.
Additionally, walking barefoot at airports can expose individuals to various hazards that may cause injuries. Small objects, such as tacks or sharp pebbles, can cut the feet and create openings for potential infections, including staph or pseudomonas. Even wearing socks may not provide sufficient protection against such hazards.
Moreover, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetic feet, are advised by podiatrists to avoid walking barefoot at all times. They may unknowingly step on something sharp and not realise it due to a loss of protective feeling in their feet.
The risk of exposing travellers' feet to potential health hazards has led some to question the necessity of removing shoes at airport security. While shoe-scanning technology exists, it has not yet been widely implemented. In the meantime, travellers are advised to be cautious and aware of their surroundings to minimise the potential risks associated with removing their shoes at airport security.
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Security: preventing shoe bombs
On December 22, 2001, a passenger named Richard Reid tried to detonate a homemade bomb during an American Airlines Flight from Paris to Miami. Reid, who was identified as an al-Qaida terrorist, had a small amount of C-4 in the heel of his shoe and tried to light a fuse. While the attack failed, it led to the implementation of new security protocols at airports.
On August 10, 2006, the Department of Homeland Security established a new protocol requiring all passengers boarding flights in the US to take off their shoes and have them screened for explosives. This was done in response to the possibility of explosives getting onto planes, as demonstrated by Reid's attempt.
The TSA chief, John Pistole, has defended this protocol, stating that "there have been no shoe bombs because we have people take their shoes off." However, some argue that this rule is inconvenient and unnecessary, especially since shoe-scanning technology is now available.
While it is not mandatory to remove shoes at airport security checkpoints, doing so can speed up the screening process. Additionally, certain types of shoes, such as bulky shoes or those with metal details, may trigger metal detectors and require removal for further screening. It is important to note that there are exceptions to this rule, such as for passengers with TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR, the elderly, and children under 12.
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Efficiency: speeding up screening
While removing shoes at airport security checkpoints is not mandatory, it can expedite the screening process. This is because shoes may trigger metal detectors or subject travellers to "secondary screening", which is a personal inspection.
On August 9, 2006, the Department of Homeland Security implemented a new protocol requiring all passengers boarding flights in the US to take off their shoes and have them screened for explosives. This was in response to the previous day's restriction on liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage, which was due to a counter-terrorism operation that foiled a plot to blow up jetliners. The TSA's concern about explosives on planes led to the shoe-removal protocol, despite the lack of successful shoe-bombing attempts since the 2001 incident involving Richard Reid.
The shoe-removal rule has been criticised for its inconvenience and potential health hazards, with some travellers expressing disgust at having to walk barefoot on airport floors. However, shoe-scanning technology may soon eliminate the need for shoe removal, providing a more efficient and sanitary alternative.
Additionally, certain passengers are exempt from removing their shoes at airport security checkpoints. These include pre-screened passengers with TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR, the elderly (over 75), and children under 12.
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Exceptions: pre-screened passengers, elderly, children
While removing shoes at airport security is a common practice, there are certain exceptions for specific groups, including pre-screened passengers, the elderly, and children.
Pre-screened passengers who are part of trusted traveller programmes, such as TSA PreCheck®, are often exempt from removing their shoes during the screening process. These programmes are designed to expedite the security process for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. By enrolling in such programmes, passengers can avoid the inconvenience of removing their shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, light jackets, or belts.
For elderly passengers, or those with disabilities or medical conditions, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented accommodations to ensure a smoother screening process. Elderly individuals who are unable to stand for screening will be screened through alternative methods, such as a pat-down, which may be conducted while seated. Passengers with medical devices or implants may be subject to different screening procedures and should inform the TSA officer accordingly.
In the case of children, while there are no specific TSA exemptions from removing shoes, the focus is on expediting the screening process for families and ensuring their comfort and safety. TSA Cares, a programme designed to assist passengers with disabilities and medical conditions, can also help families travelling with children who need additional assistance or accommodation during the screening process.
Additionally, passengers who undergo Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) screening are not required to remove their shoes. However, light jackets must be taken off during this process. It is important to note that to be eligible for AIT screening, passengers must be able to stand and walk unassisted and follow certain physical instructions.
While these exceptions exist, it is always at the discretion of the TSA officers to request the removal of shoes or any other items if further inspection is deemed necessary.
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Alternatives: shoe-scanning technology
The shoe-scanning technology is being developed to address the inconvenience and health risks associated with removing shoes at airport security. This technology uses millimeter wave technology, similar to full-body scanners, to generate an image of the shoe and detect potential threats. The process is quick, taking only about two seconds for the scan and an additional five seconds for data processing. The shoe scanner may be integrated into the floor of passenger screening systems, allowing for simultaneous screening of passengers and their shoes.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is planning to deploy this technology within the next few years to gather feedback. The shoe scanner received an R&D 100 award in 2020 as one of the top 100 innovations of the year. The development of this technology is part of the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate's Screening at Speed program, which aims to improve detection capabilities and enhance the passenger experience.
The shoe scanner will use electromagnetic waves to create an image of the shoe, which will be evaluated for potential threats. This technology has the potential to replace the inconvenient and time-consuming process of removing shoes at airport security checkpoints. It also addresses health concerns, such as exposure to fungi and injuries from sharp objects on the floor.
While the shoe-scanning technology is not yet widely deployed, it holds promise for improving airport security and the overall travel experience. The development and deployment of this technology are being carefully considered, with a focus on effectiveness, efficiency, and the potential impact on the aviation industry and passenger safety.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2001, a passenger known as the "shoe bomber" tried to detonate a bomb hidden in the heels of his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami. Since then, taking off shoes at the airport has become the new normal for almost everyone traveling on a commercial flight.
You may not need to remove shoes that don't have metal parts or aren't bulky. However, this may vary depending on the airport and security protocols in place.
Walking barefoot at the airport exposes your feet to various fungi, including athlete's foot, and increases the risk of injury from sharp objects or pebbles.
Yes, certain exceptions exist. These include pre-screened passengers with TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR, the elderly (over 75), and children under 12 years old.
Shoe-scanning technology is now available, although it is not yet widely deployed. This technology could potentially eliminate the need for passengers to remove their shoes during security screening.
