In December 2001, on a flight to Miami, Richard Reid attempted to ignite explosives in his shoe. Fifteen years and no exploding Nikes later, travelers still have to remove their footwear before boarding a plane. The practice seems more frustrating than comforting, especially as delays plague airports nationwide. So why is it still policy? Officials insist that terrorist groups remain interested in shoe bombs, and experts say it’s easier to enact a security measure than to roll one back. While kids, the elderly and those with PreCheck can keep their shoes on, the rest of us should remember our slip-ons.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com