All shoes off at LGA?

[bonzaiflyer]

Hey gang, I flew out of LGA on AA on 6/4 and the TSA guy at the front of the x-ray made everyone --regardless of type of shoes-- put their shoes in the bin for the x-ray. When I questioned him about it, he said "it's new policy". I asked as of when, he replied "5 days ago". So had to take off my awfully threatening flip-flops.

As soon as I cleared security, I called the TSA "hotline" (866-289-9673) but couldn't wait the 15 minutes on hold I was told it was gonna be, so I left a message requesting a call back. Of course it's only been 3 days and we're talking about a gov't agency, so I haven't heard back yet.

Now I'm certain that he told me a bald faced lie as I few out of BNA on 6/2 and didn't have to shed the shoes. And I just few out of BNA again today to LGA without sheding the shoes (today I wore New Balance cross-trainers). I'm leaving LGA on 6/9 on NW, so I guess I'll see what happens at that terminal to see if it's a real policy for just the NYC area or not.

Does anyone know if this is a LGA policy or was this TSA guy blowing smoke? I'm guessing smoke. I've yet to see flip-flops with a steel shank that could set off the metal detector......

[EXASaab]

It's supposedly a new TSA Rule... My crew had to remove shoes in SDF 2 weeks ago as I had to last week in TYS when I headed back to work..... I think it's a lame excuse for a new rule.
:mad_2:

[Studley]

I had to remove my shoes at MIA on the return trip to DFW last month. The screeners told me, "just in case, you never know and have to be sure." No biggie.

At least you didn't do the "security striptease" that I had to do at LGA in April 2001. Combined with the closeness of the glass partitions, it quickly turned into a peep show. I'm glad I was wearing underwear that day, or it would have been X-Rated. :shocked: :grin:

[bonzaiflyer]

It's supposedly a new TSA Rule... My crew had to remove shoes in SDF 2 weeks ago as I had to last week in TYS when I headed back to work..... I think it's a lame excuse for a new rule.
:mad_2:



If it's a new rule, then I think they're guilty of the thing that pisses me off the most about the TSA, they're inconsistant.

Are there more "questionable" shoes getting on at TYS, SDF and LGA than at BNA, DTW & DFW? I've gone thru security at those places in the past week and didn't have to take my flip-flops off. Geez, I know my flip flops aren't gonna set off the metal detector, that's why I wear them!!

[bridget74]

You know, here's what I think is the problem: the individual TSA agents at the airports have too much flexibility in interpreting the rules as written by the TSA. There's no enforcement of them abiding by (or not abiding by) the rules as the TSA writes them. So if one agent says everyone has to take off their shoes, and another agent says you can keep them on, who's there to tell those TSA agents differently? It's frustrating.

For example, the other day I was going through the airport, and they were yelling for EVERYONE to take off their shoes. So as we got closer to the actually screening, I asked another agent, "So we're all taking off our shoes?" She shook her head and told me not to worry about it.

Or on another day, myself and my coworkers (going on a work trip) were the ONLY ones in line they made take off our shoes. Despite the fact that we were all clearly wearing airline employee IDs and SIDA badges. Now, why on earth would WE be the only ones in line made to take off our shoes? They blatantly picked out the dozen or so of us and told us to send them through the x-ray. Ooookay... :confus_2:

I wish to God the TSA had some sort of quality control mechanism in place here. And no flexibility on the rules...either you do it or you don't. I personally could care less about taking off my shoes, but if I have to do it, then so should every other pax.

Oh, and here's what really gets me...as an airline employee, my badge should be enough to get me though security. Now, in ABQ, they're trying to tell non-uniformed employees that they must have some sort of boarding document in order to get through security IN ADDITION to their ID. What moron made up that idea? What if I'm riding the jumpseat? I wouldn't have or need a boarding document in that case, since we sign up for the jumpseat at the gate.

I think the TSA is far better than what we used to have, but these guys seriously need to get some consistency and quality control in terms of rules.

But I will say this...although the ABQ TSA kinda wore me out the other day, there was an EXTREMELY sweet TSA agent, named Linda, who took care of me when I pinched my finger while putting down the handle on my rollerbag. I was bleeding pretty good. She got me a bandaid, ointment, the works. God love her! :cool_2:

So I guess what I'm saying is, my frustration is not directed at the TSA agents themselves, but at the overall management of their system that allows for too many deviations and interpretations of the rules. Either we check shoes or we don't. And quite frankly, I'm for checking shoes, even flipflops. Given the fact that many of those flipflops have thick foam soles, it wouldn't be hard for some sick yet enterprising person to hide a shank in them. :frown_2:

And as always, JHMO. :grin:

[yoshi]

Hey Bonzaiflyer- I checked with the manager of the TSA at one of the stations today and he did confirm that this new policy went into effect approximately 1 month ago at all airports. They request all passengers entering the checkpoint to remove their shoes, especially sneakers and platforms and send it thru the x-ray machine or you have the option of removing it after walking thru the metal detectors. The first would expedite the process.

[bonzaiflyer]

he did confirm that this new policy went into effect approximately 1 month ago at all airports.



That's fine, I have no problem with that if it is in fact implemented. However, that is not the consistant as of yet and that's what is frustrating. Not that I'm trying to beat the system, but it's nice to know what to expect when you go thru 4 to 8 different airports each week. Why expect to have to take my shoes off when I don't have to? That's another thing to grab, put back on, and slow down the process for everyone.

I know to have my boarding pass and ID out, take my laptop out of it's bag, I know to put my phone-change-pen-ball cap into a tub, I know to keep the metal on my clothing to a minimum. It's a routine I've become used to.

I just wish they'd implement a "trusted traveler program" of some sort so that those of us that are road warriors and know the drill could get on with the trip.

Thanks for checking with the TSA...how about getting them to return my call?

[david_dot_com]

"trusted traveler program"



That was airport security before 9/11. I don't think that'll happen anytime soon.

[yoshi]

"trusted traveler program"


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That was airport security before 9/11. I don't think that'll happen anytime soon.






Ain't that the truth!

Bonzaifly, I agree with you about the consistency of the TSA's policy especially when it's at the same airport. Wouldn't be surprised if all the employees receives a memo everyday regarding what the procedure is for the day. But don't feel too bad, like Bridget said, I think employees has it worse. They see us everyday for the last 8 months with our airline id badge and yet we still have to take off our shoes everytime we go thru whether it's once a day or a couple times a day.

[Sugarpuffs]

Well I guess it certainly encourages foot hygene. :grin:

Yoshi the employees will always suffer most 'cos they are the easy and most accessible targets to use as examples.
:grin: :grin:
Reason is it's 'cos you're always there at the airport that is. :grin:

But more to the point, possibly the reason for many conflicting shoes on or shoes off requests by TSA staff is because your aviation security rules have been somewhat rushed into use.

Don't get me wrong I know there has been screening for sometime but let's face it in the States, it was, in the past on int'l flts only. To be honest it wasn't very good, :ooo: compared to other countries.

So now a new policy is being used, which as I have said has been rushed into use.
Are you all telling the rest of us that when an airline has rushed something new into service everything has gone smoothly and perfectly?

No I didn't think so. :smile_2:

The TSA, as I understand it, is a relatively new or re-organized body, therefore with your safety and security in mind they have rushed new security checks into service.
Oh me, oh my, now they are having problems, yes.

Hey how about you all giving them a little time and your patience while they get their act together. :smile_2:

Speaking as one from across the pond I can, also, tell you it didn't all happen over night over here regarding security at airports. There were some bad ideas introduced but they were dropped in time.

I think what I maybe trying to say is:
"Hi guys 'n' gals welcome to the real world. First you go through security then they may just let you fly." :smile_2:

Take care everybody and all ways fly safe. :smile_2:

[bridget74]

Hey Puffs...

Have I ever told you that you're one smart mo fo? :cool_2:

[Eagle Eye]

Interesting. I flew out of LGA last week Tuesday, and we did not have to take off our shoes.
However, I was stopped at EWR recently for having my house/car keys in my tote bag :confus_2:
A friend of mine works for TSA, I will ask him what the policy is; seems there is some inconsistency.

[IntMaverick]

<font color="purple"> Interestingly, I flew out of Paris - CDG (where "shoebomber" Richard Reid embarked on his flight) yesterday and security did not have me remove my shoes. The pre-boarding security guys did check my shoes, tho. More on that flight later.
:plane:
At Atlanta, they do recommend that we remove our shoes and I have started doing so after the metal detectors have been going off because of a "name plate" on my shoes. However, it appears that they want you to remove your shoes as a precaution

[Sugarpuffs]

Hey Puffs...

Have I ever told you that you're one smart mo fo? :cool_2:



Bridget no you haven't. :smile_2:
But what's a mo fo??? :confus_2: :smile_2:
Definition please. :smile_2:

[Studley]

Sugar, "mo fo" is urban (USA) slang for Mother (mo) F----- (fo). It's much cleaner to say it as "mo fo", the shortened version.

It's not derogatory when used in the context that Bridget did, it's instead highly complimentary, reverential even. :cool_2:

Hehehe - I just came up with another award to give out in AMS. LOL :grin: :wink_2:

[flymeaway]

If it is new policy, its just to save them time when your shoes do make the detector go off.

They're always saying shoes off, shoes off...and seem to get a little annoyed when I say that mine don't beep and I'll be leaving them on thankyouverymuch!

The silliest one for me was in Portland, Maine...I had on the tiniest of strappy little sandals, and forced to remove them. (They also don't beep, either.) My southern granny would say that I couldn't have hidden a fart in those shoes, much less a bomb. :ooo:

[bonzaiflyer]

Ok, here's an update. I flew out of LGA on Monday 6/9 on NW. No shedding the shoes at the checkpoint. So, the guy last week was telling everyone a lie, or the TSA folks in the NW/DL terminal haven't rec'd the word yet. Take your pick, I vote for lie.

Also, as of today, no call back from the TSA "hotline". I guess they post that number to just be eye candy.

Arrrrrggggggghhhhhh :mad_2:

[Sugarpuffs]

Thanks for the explanation Studley. :smile_2:

Bridget thank you too. :smile_2:

[Sugarpuffs]

Just a little bit of info here.
I have just read this on the revolving news headlines in the "Aviation in News" forum and thought this may amuse you.

If by the time you read this the article has gone then you should be able to read it on the link below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/17/business/17ROAD.html&amp;OQexQ3D1056513

:grin:
The quote that cracked me up:- :laugh:

"The baby's shoes have to go through the machine or that baby gets wanded."

Ooooohhh is that security guard's life being threatened by baby shoes??
:smile_2: :smirk: :smirk:

[SWACSA]

Consistency is the key here. My airport, employees do not have to take off any shoes that will not set off the sensor.
I just went through FLL. FLL airport had nice little disposable slippers to use if you are not wearing socks. Thought that was a nice touch :wink_2: I think every airport should supply those.
I can certainly understand why passengers get frustrated. Every airport is different.
How difficult is it to take a simple thing like do we or do we not check id's after security checkpoint. My airport we don't, but lots of other ones we do.
Can we just have consistency? :plane:

[flymeaway]

SWA - you're right about consistency. I understand that some airports may be more 'at risk' than others...but some things make no sense. At my hometown airport (TYS), airline people still have to have a boarding pass or some such thing to go through security if they're not in uniform. Your ID badge alone won't do it. The first time I learned this, I ended up missing my flight (last one of the day) because I had to go back to ticketing and wait again in security. I walked up to the gate just as the plane was inches off the jetway. Ouch!
No other airport does that, as far as I'm aware.


FLL airport had nice little disposable slippers...



FLL is nice...there's an employee there in the Continental concourse that is so great. Every time I've been through there since 9/11, he's there greeting people waiting in the security line. He gets everyone ready: gets the car keys and change out of their pockets, etc, etc. I think it really speeds up the line there, and he's just so nice to everyone, too. I should get his name and write a letter next time...

[EXASaab]

At my hometown airport (TYS), airline people still have to have a boarding pass or some such thing to go through security if they're not in uniform. Your ID badge alone won't do it.



It's always worked for me in uniform or out in street clothes. Flash your company ID and walk right through.
Maybe for me going through there couple of times a week they recognize me. :wink_2:

[flymeaway]

Hiya Exa,

Once I got through without a boarding pass...but have been stopped and asked for it every other time.

I actually asked to speak to the lead person this last time, just to find out what the logic behind it is. It doesn't make any sense...I could be deadheading in street clothes and need a pass or on personal travel in uniform and not need a pass. Or I could even print a pass and walk through and have no intentions of boarding a plane. Stupid. When I said this to the TSA guy, he just said "Yep, I dunno...I don't make the rules."

I sent an email yesterday to the TYS airport authority asking them about it. Maybe I'll get a reply. It's not a big deal, but it makes no sense!

[bonzaiflyer]

Consistency is the key here.

I can certainly understand why passengers get frustrated.

Every airport is different.

How difficult is it to take a simple thing like do we or do we not check id's after security checkpoint.

Can we just have consistency?



My point exactly. Glad to know I'm not the only one irked by the lack of consistancy. But then, it is run by the Gov't........ :confus_2: