Recently on a trip through Philadelphia, thanks to the bellowing TSA agent, I became aware that individuals aged 0-12 and 75+ are not required to remove their shoes when going through security.

Now, the first question in my mind was – “is this new?” Followed quickly by – “why?” Has it been determined that individuals within those age categories pose less of a threat for any incidents being carried out through their shoes?

Not wanting to take up too much time in the security line I went to tsa.gov website for more information. After typing in the words “shoes” in the search component I found a slew of information – some outdated, including videos from 2008 about shoes – that on Monday, January 7, 2013 it was announced:

“TSA’s objective is to mitigate risk in a way that ensures security measures…[TSA] has implemented a number of risk-based security measures including modified screening procedures for passengers 12 and under, passengers 75 and older….  All other passengers must undergo shoe screening and passengers with a disability or hindering medical condition who cannot remove their shoes can be screened using alternative methods.”

So it is rather new – within the past year – but I still don’t understand why. As a TSA pre-check passenger I also am able to pass through without removing shoes, however, I had to do this after supplying additional personal details and information.

So, what happens when an individual turns 13? What happens when they move from 74 to 75 years of age? Do their instincts and desires change? Do they become more or less threatening? What if someone who is a threat is traveling with an individual younger than age 12 or older than 75? Does that not change the stakes?

Now I get it. TSA has been effective in ensuring the American citizens remain safe when flying, however, it is these; what seem like, general decisions that, from a frequent traveler’s viewpoint, don’t make complete rational sense.