6 replies to this topic

[finGrabber]

According to the TSA website:

You are NOT REQUIRED to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector. However, TSA screeners may encourage you to remove them before entering the metal detector as many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector DOES NOT alarm.

Footwear that screeners will encourage you to remove because they are likely to require additional screening:

Boots
Platform shoes (including platform flip-flops)
Footwear with a thick sole or heel (including athletic shoes)
Footwear containing metal (including many dress shoes)

Footwear that screeners are less likely to suggest you remove includes:

"Beach" flip-flops
Thin-soled sandals (without metal)

TIP: Since a thorough screening includes x-ray inspection of footwear, wearing footwear that is easily removable helps to speed you through the screening process.

[Twinklez]

The group from my LDS though they would be smart last week and wear flip flops so they wouldn't have to remove their shoes. When they arrived in Denver for their connecting flight and the temp was -9 degree, they decided they might just like to take off their shoes next time. Apparently it was a bit cold for their bare tootsies.

[finGrabber]

I'll always fall into the "remove your shoes" category...because I freeze on airplanes and flipflops just wouldn't cut it!

[ASDmike]

The official TSA shoe policy is a red herring. Bottom line is that the TSA managers in each airport take all the information and advisories they have and make local "guidelines". The DFW manager is probably the strictest I have seen in the all shoes off "to save time" "guideline", no exception. Other airports in the US get you through quickly and evidently do not have a manager having sleepless nights with nightmares about little old ladies with scary sneakers passing through their airport.

I just checked my "flight" log and see that I did 127 flights last year. About a third of my screenings desired no shoes off (assuming no metal shanks)-- to really save time. The strangest screening I had was in Germany when they were disgusted that I took my shoes off at the front of the X-Ray machine. They instructed me they wanted to run them through, but expected me to sit behind the "works" while my shoes would be wisked away by an attendant. I guess they get tired of ugly americans walking around their airports in socks. Talk about having "information", that airport that time had three screenings points before I could get on the plane... And each had a different discoveries of my suspicious sneakers, my scary sunglasses and my threatening spare cell phone battery.

On the sandal idea, I wore my Teva sandals to Costa Rica last September when I caught a liveaboard. I had one (short) night in a hotel and the rest would be onboard the ship. I figured I might be cold, so I brought enough socks for the travel, but was happy not to bring shoes. Well, I was cold and I did get a nasty look from one or two other passengers. Actually, I was even cold on the air conditioned bus trip to the ship. Next time it is sneakers for me and they can sit around the cabin until I go home.

So my advice, always wear comfortable shoes (with no metal), that you can easily slip on and off. Watch the people walking through the metal detector and leave them on if others walk through with shoes on. The TSA agents may advise you to remove your shoes "to save time", and quickly do that when they ask, with no fuss or small talk required. As for sandals, I have even seen DFW require some to go through the X-Ray machine, so I'm back to recomending comfortable shoes when you travel, no matter what kind of shoe you prefer.

[BeachBunny]

Ya, they say it is optional, but it's not. The few times I have not removed my shoes (did not have socks and my bare feet are not touching that floor) I have blessed with a very personal screening. And no, I did not set off any alarms. The screener actually told me after about 10 minutes that maybe I would just remove my shoes next time. I fly every week now so I just wear my slip on sneakers, thick socks, grin, and bare it....so to speak.

[Capn Jack]

The few times I have not removed my shoes (did not have socks and my bare feet are not touching that floor) I have blessed with a very personal screening.

Damn - now I know the trick. I've always removed my shoes, and wanted to know how to get the personal touch screening from the gorgeous woman near the D/FW C12 entrance. Next time I see her, I'll keep my shoes on!!!!