TSA acting capriciously?

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myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
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The shoe request is very specifically a request. They will "strongly reccommend it" or "ask that everyone", but they will not "must". Perhaps a lawyer could explain a possible reason. It may be intended as a way to circumvent direct profiling (i.e. white boys can leave their shoes on).

... I tried saying no once (IIRC in Detroit), and they did let me by with no additional screening.

Sometimes they don't even ask, just let you walk through .. if you don't have metal, you're good.

On one occasion, after having placed my shoes on the belt by "request", I passed through the metal detector and asked the guy manning it what would happen if I didn't comply. He stated that while it would not *mandate* additional screening, it would greatly increase the possibility - basically at that point, the risk assessment is up to the screeners.*

*this does mean that if you're a dick about it, you will be hand wanded ;)