I flew last summer (2025) and there was a sign near security that said a certain age and older were exempt from it. I am old enough that I was able to just walk on through.

When I flew the summer before, that was not the case. Shoe removal for everyone.

and now I'm annoyed that it came from Kristi Noem.

On the other side. I’m good with not checking them.

…and hygienically disgusting 🤮.

I’ll wear one pair of socks and have a second pair, in a ziplock bag, at the ready in my purse. If I have to take my shoes off, as soon as I’m thru security, I take off the now-contaminated socks, put them in the ziplock, and put on the clean ones. I don’t want to step back into my shoes with the socks that have just walked thru gawd-knows-what.

I've been doing the same for years (except I use footie socks that I slip on just before-- and off into a ziploc immediately after-- screening.) My husband thinks I'm the only one on the planet who does this. HA!

I'm flying in a couple of weeks and will be trying out a new variation... slip-on "water shoes." They are like footie socks but have a rubbery sole-- even less potential for the ick to reach my real socks AND a little extra grip.

I'll let you know how it goes!

And thanks for reassuring me there is at least one other person who gets grossed out by the thought of inviting whatever horrors lurk on the airport floor into her shoes.

And my hubby thought I was the only one, too!

I finally joined the TSA program and no longer have to take off my shoes...but I keep my footies ready just in case.

btw....I had MRSA (not yet diagnosed) on one of my toes when I flew. I didn't know what it was but knew it was nasty so I took a ton of precautions. After that, I reminded my hubby others may not be as cautious and to put on a sock.

Not having to take off shoes, belt or light jackets. If you fly often it is well worth the cost.