The Brian Lehrer Show

TSA Says: Keep Your Shoes On

Jul 14, 2025
Allison Pohle, a travel and tourism reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the TSA's new rule allowing passengers to keep their shoes on during security screenings. She discusses the change's roots in past incidents, like the infamous shoe bomber, and how advancements in scanning technology led to this shift. Pohle shares mixed reactions from TSA employees and travelers, weighing efficiency against security concerns. The conversation touches on other evolving airport security measures, igniting a debate on the balance between safety and convenience.
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INSIGHT

Why Shoes Off Rule Existed

  • The shoe removal rule was a response to the 2001 shoe bomber attempt by Richard Reid.
  • Improved scanning technology now allows shoes to be scanned without removal, prompting rule change.
ANECDOTE

Former TSA Employee Explains

  • A former TSA employee explained full-body scanners can now detect threats on feet without shoe removal.
  • TSA PreCheck allowed shoe-on screening, making the new rule a logical extension.
INSIGHT

TSA Officer Perspectives Mixed

  • Some transportation security officers are cautious about the change due to non-zero risk.
  • Others agree newer technology mitigates threats sufficiently to allow shoes to stay on.
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