Hiking boots and airports - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**Wyzfen** · 03-29-2005, 06:37 AM

I've been caught out by this twice now - so forgetful...

A lot of hiking boots had metal plates in the soles for extra support. They will set off metal detectors in airports. Twice now i've had to take off my boots and re-go through the detectors.
Annoying too - i wear boots my on the plane cos they're so bulky in my pack. And there's often no seats near the security checkpoints.

My advice - wear something else to the airport, or be prepared to look strange as you walk through security in your socks.

**tumblezweedz** · 03-29-2005, 06:47 AM

Depends on the airport, too. We just went through Athens, and my silver anklet set off the detector. Why not tie your boots onto your carry on bag and wear something easier to slip on and off?

**TheJake** · 03-29-2005, 08:57 AM

most airports in the US are requiring you to take your shoes off anyway... I saw wear your boots just don't lace em up

**space virgin** · 03-29-2005, 09:06 AM

I automatically take off shoes when I go through the metal detector. And also everything metal that I know is on my body, including earrings. I have yet to set off the alarm and I have the removal routine down pat.

**kingcrazylegs** · 03-29-2005, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by space virgin@Mar 29 2005, 11:05 AM
I automatically take off shoes when I go through the metal detector.* And also everything metal that I know is on my body, including earrings.* I have yet to set off the alarm and I have the removal routine down pat.*

Yea, I know what ya mean...I take off my shoes, belts and earings...it sucks! Soon I am just gonna show up in my boxer shorts!

**Tadpole** · 03-29-2005, 09:43 AM

The airport here makes everyone take off their shoes. Then you have to put them in the scanner. It is kinda amuzing. Six foot tall business men standing in line with desinger suits with socks on.

**omisan** · 03-29-2005, 10:30 AM

I usually strip down to my jeans/shirt before going through the gate, since god knows what sets those things off. Shoes, belt, wallet, keys, coins, watch, glasses, etc. all go in the carry-on right as I get in line.

Other times, I like being a prick - not by leaving all my metal on, but by stripping down to my undies/t-shirt. Ok, that was just once. The people at American's terminal at JFK were such assholes that I decided to take off my jeans completely before going through the gate. They were dumbfounded, as any GED jackass with a federally-guaranteed job would be.

**simply_angelic** · 03-29-2005, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by omisan@Mar 29 2005, 01:29 PM
I usually strip down to my jeans/shirt before going through the gate, since god knows what sets those things off. Shoes, belt, wallet, keys, coins, watch, glasses, etc. all go in the carry-on right as I get in line.

Other times, I like being a prick - not by leaving all my metal on, but by stripping down to my undies/t-shirt. Ok, that was just once. The people at American's terminal at JFK were such assholes that I decided to take off my jeans completely before going through the gate. They were dumbfounded, as any GED jackass with a federally-guaranteed job would be.

hahaha why stop there omi? i make it a point of walking through these things buck naked....of course i still set them off b/c of the metal plate in my head

**Tadpole** · 03-29-2005, 02:06 PM

Well its good to know im not the only one.

See i can do this

and it won't hurt

**Wyzfen** · 03-29-2005, 03:49 PM

everyone takes their shoes off ? wow, thats paranoid.

in australia they dont seem to care so long as the detector doesnt go off.
I thought i had it down pat so as to not set them off - except i forgot my shoes. again :P

**space virgin** · 03-29-2005, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wyzfen@Mar 29 2005, 11:48 PM
everyone takes their shoes off ? wow, thats paranoid.

To clarify: Everyone takes their shoes off after September 11 happened. Security at US airports, while debatably better, has certainly taken a whole hell of a lot longer because of that.

**agriadam** · 03-29-2005, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by space virgin+Mar 29 2005, 06:50 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(space virgin @ Mar 29 2005, 06:50 PM)</div>

Quote:

<!--QuoteBegin-Wyzfen

Quote:

@Mar 29 2005, 11:48 PM
everyone takes their shoes off ? wow, thats paranoid.

To clarify: Everyone takes their shoes off after September 11 happened. Security at US airports, while debatably better, has certainly taken a whole hell of a lot longer because of that.

[/b]

It was some time afer 9-11 that they started searching shoes because of the threat of shoe bombs see artical:
Security firm warned of shoe bomb suspect

it may be parnoid but necassary since we live in a F'd up world

:greenguy:

**omisan** · 03-29-2005, 05:13 PM

I'd hardly call it necessary - anyone determined enough can get some sort of weapon or incendiary device on to a plane or other "secured" venue. This whole security charade is designed to make you feel more secure. Think about all the stuff that's deadly but not covered by TSA restrictions...

**zylah** · 03-29-2005, 05:26 PM

so no meatal in your shoes, but you can still have lighters on the plane?

oh and my underwires dont set of the metal detectors, how does that work??

**Tadpole** · 03-29-2005, 06:00 PM

The new securities make you feel better but also add to security alot. If a terroists wants to take over a plane chances are they will find a way to do it. However, these new TSA regulations stop the local nut from doing something stupid as well.

**simply_angelic** · 03-29-2005, 06:04 PM

lol, the local DUMBASS nut who doesnt really know what he's getting into anyway....

**omisan** · 03-29-2005, 07:19 PM

True, true - it may stop the yokel who goes nuts and wants to take down a plane because some flight attendant he hit on shot him down. But I think the Richard Reid (shoebomber) case shows that if anyone tries to pull as stunt on a plane these days, his ass will get beaten DOWN by everyone in the immediate vicinity.

**mermaidnz** · 03-31-2005, 07:21 PM

lol on another note, a dancer i know with extreamly large breasts ie J cup...yep bigger then ya head...gets her breasts searched incase she has weapons down her cleavage muaha

**Wyzfen** · 03-31-2005, 09:25 PM

thats like the pregnant woman who was searched in a supermarket cos they thought she was stealing a basketball. idiots.

also, what sort of name is 'the shoe bomber' - embarrasing - he'll have to do something else stupid just to get a less daft nickname

**omisan** · 04-01-2005, 10:47 AM

Quote:

also, what sort of name is 'the shoe bomber' - embarrasing - he'll have to do something else stupid just to get a less daft nickname

Well, I'm sure by now he's earned the nickname "pillow-biter" or "shower toy."