singularity's Journal: TSA reply...

From: "TSA-Contact Center"
To:
Subject: Re: Shoe requirements in passenger screening
Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 15:30:52 -0500

TSA has always been alert to the danger of a "shoe bomb" attack, highlighted by the Richard Reid incident in December 2001. TSA's increased focus on screening shoes in recent months reflects a necessary reaction to information gathered by federal intelligence agencies.

Passengers will not be required to take off their shoes before going through metal detectors, but should understand that their chances of being selected for a more thorough, secondary screening will be lower if they do.

Security requirements issued by the TSA establish a security minimum for adoption by air carriers and airports. Air carriers and airports may exceed those minimum standards by implementing more stringent security requirements. This prevents potential terrorists from "beating the system" by learning how it operates. Leaving out any one group, such as senior citizens or the clergy, undermine security. We simply cannot assume that all future terrorists will fit any particular profile.

TSA Contact Center

Requirements

[turg]

I think they're spinning on the definition of the word "required."

Technically speaking, they don't and can't "require" anything of passengers. They're not police and even if they were they would need just cause in order to search you. You can decline anything they ask of you (going through the metal detector, having your bag x-rayed or searched, taking off your shoes). Of course, they can respond by telling you that you can't get on the plane then, but you always have the choice to walk away. So in that se