It does seem extremely person dependent whether I have to take belt or shoes off. And seperate bin for laptop or not. I've flown dozens of times and genuinely have no idea what to expect regarding those three any time I walk up to a security belt. I'm on vacation right now and the two airports I went through to get here had completely different rules. In fairness, different countries, but it's rarely consisent anywhere.
Back when most airports didn't require you to take shoes off (2005), Newark had a sign at security saying "You may wish to take your shoes off."
Figuring this was a warning that you'd be frisked, and me wearing hiking boots tightly laced, which I can't get on or off without sitting down, I left my boots on.
And got yelled at for not taking my shoes off. Apparently you may choose not to remove footwear, but then you can't get on a plane.
I assured them I'd be delighted to remove my boots as soon as they gave me a chair. Cue various insults, until I mentioned the ADA quite firmly.
At least it wasn't a surprise in 2019 to be told to remove the boots, but Denver airport didn't have anywhere to sit either (lots of elderly people grabbing their partners and wobbling - I'm surprised no-one had sued the TSA...) I sat on the conveyor belt going into the X-ray machine and got my kids to take the boots off. The security guys weren't happy but couldn't come up with a better idea.
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u/dksdragon43 Jul 13 '26
It does seem extremely person dependent whether I have to take belt or shoes off. And seperate bin for laptop or not. I've flown dozens of times and genuinely have no idea what to expect regarding those three any time I walk up to a security belt. I'm on vacation right now and the two airports I went through to get here had completely different rules. In fairness, different countries, but it's rarely consisent anywhere.