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TSA Puts Its Foot Down on Shoe Scanner

October 10, 2007 at 2:00 PM | by pbb | 3 Comments

Time to abandon your fledgling hopes of keeping your shoes on through airport security. The latest gizmo designed to scan shoes for weapons and explosives doesn't cut it, the TSA says, and while we're sad we have to keep removing our kicks, at least the agency isn't deploying an ineffective screening tool. Or so you'd think.

This is big news at Orlando International Airport, says the New York Times, where the registered traveler program Clear was using a prototype of the scanner until today. Members of the program got to use the special machine, in addition to getting other benefits like shorter lines and a "concierge" to help you with your carry-ons.

But we're still confused about this ineffective prototype. As far as we can tell, it didn't work, yet was in use in Orlando. Shouldn't the TSA test these things out in simulated situations rather than the real world?

Related Stories:
· US Again Rejects a Shoe Scanner [NYT]
· TSA's Status Update on the Test [Official Site]
· TSA coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: TSA]

3 Comments

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  1. PABLUM

    Jaunted Member

    Clear

    Clear worked for Barry Bonds!
    October 10, 2007 at 4:38 PM
    #Permalink

  1. GoVisitHawaii

    Jaunted Member

    ewww....more foot cooties

    I hate it when I'm wearing sandals and have to walk through the screening barefoot.  Does this seem disgusting to anyone else?
    October 10, 2007 at 6:04 PM
    #Permalink

  1. airportbook

    Jaunted Member

    TSA Puts Its Foot Down on Shoe Scanner

    I am a former TSA officer and author of: I Might As Well Be Naked: How to Survive Airport Screening With Your Clothes On!

    Some people are saying that the terrorists won't strike twice, but in fact they have tried. If a terrorist blew up a school full of children, would we say, "The terrorist wouldn't think about striking twice?" Absolutely not! We would continually protect every single school in our nation. And those who travel extensively say,"I don't have to take off my shoes at Ireland's airport." My answer is- Ireland is not on Osama's #1 wack list.

    I am tired of people complaining about how they are continually inconvenienced by all of the different security measures being implemented. Too bad! If TSA removes the shoe policy, what do you think Osama will do. Tsa has to remain offensive in the fight against terrorism, not defensive.

    If your tired of taking off your shoes when you fly, then spend the $100 for the registered travler program and stop complaining.  Some airport have booties for you to put on or bring a pair of bunny socks with you.

    We need to change our attitudes and thank TSA for doing what they do with what they have to work with. The system isn't perfect and neither are the TSO's. Let's ALL keep our eyes and ears open. If you see and hear something, then report it to airport police. And for goodness sake, please understand the process and go with the flow.

    October 12, 2007 at 4:10 PM
    #Permalink

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