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Pay to Keep Your Shoes on in Orlando

Via a tip on FlyerTalk, we know that Orlando International Airport already owns and is testing out a new, expensive shoe-scanning technology in its security lines. The machines cost $200,000 and are, according to Orlando's local FOX station, already slated for use at other airports including JFK. The scanners will save you the hassle of removing your shoes at the airport, but get this: you're gonna have to pay for the privilege.

For a background check and $100 a year (at MCO, at least), travelers can keep their shoes on and have the machines take a molecular peek at their footwear. It's unclear what other advantages the scheme provides--it's not equivalent to the registered traveler program--or if, once the technology is in use at several airports, one low fee will cover you at all of them. As FlyerTalk poster xyzzy puts it, "I won't pay a penny to be treated as everyone should be treated. This is blackmail pure and simple."

[Photo: dorsia]

Related Stories:
· At MCO, Pay to keep your shoes on thru Security? [FlyerTalk]
· Shoe Scanner [my FOX Orlando]