New Technology Could Let You Keep Your Shoes on

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

Quick: What do you hate most about airline security?

If you said, “taking my @&%$& shoes off,” well, you’re not alone. And believe it or not, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) actually hears you: The agency is in the process of testing new equipment that scans travelers’ shoes for metal weapons and explosives.

But this isn’t the first time the TSA has tried to solve the shoe problem. USA Today reports that the “TSA tested a scanner in 2007 at Orlando International Airport but pulled it after seven months because the machine missed too many weapons and bomb parts during tests. The scanner also troubled some passengers because it sounded alarms on shoes containing harmless metal.”

Developers of new models, however, promise better results this time around. One company already has several models in use in Israel, China, Rome, and Prague, and at a Florida cruise port. USA Today says, “The new machines range in size from a step stool to a turnstile. Some use electromagnetic fields to detect metal. Others use chemical sensors to detect explosives.”

The TSA plans to order 100 machines next year.

Is it me, or does this seem like a lot of money, time, and effort to expend in the circumvention of an unpopular security procedure? Or is the shoes-off policy so obnoxious that any way to be rid of it is worth trying? Leave a comment below with your thoughts. Thanks!

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