Pilot's wife shares genius tips for when airport security asks to remove shoes
Navigating airport security can be one of the more frustrating parts of travel. From keeping liquids under 100ml to pulling out electronics at the last minute, it's a stressful routine many of us know too well. But one particularly awkward moment that many passengers dread is being asked to remove their shoes.
According to Dublin Airport: "Hoodies, jackets or other bulky layers will need to go in a tray. Same with boots or shoes above ankle height."
The experience of shuffling through a busy security terminal in your socks (or worse, bare feet) can feel far from sanitary. And with airports across Ireland seeing record numbers this summer, concerns about cleanliness are more relevant than ever.
Thankfully, a savvy travel tip has gone viral - thanks to Laurie, a pilot's wife from Houston, Texas - who shares practical travel hacks on her popular Instagram page. She has a two no-nonsense tricks for making the shoe-removal process less grim.
1. Wipe your feet with an antibacterial wipe
As most travellers know, airports aren't exactly designed for comfort. Showers are virtually non-existent, and washing your feet in a bathroom sink is likely to get you some strange stares. Laurie's advice is to pack a few antibacterial wipes in your carry-on bag.
If you're asked to walk barefoot (or in socks) through the scanner, you can quickly clean your feet afterwards with a wipe. It's fast, discreet and won't slow down your journey.
Antibacterial wipes are also multi-purpose so you can also use them to wipe down commonly touched surfaces on the plane - especially if you're the kind of traveller who likes to rest your head on the window.
Tray tables, seatbelts, screens and remotes are all high-touch areas and a quick wipe-down before takeoff could mean a healthier holiday.
2. Bring an extra pair of socks
Even if you're already wearing socks, dragging them across the same floor hundreds of others have just walked on can feel unhygienic - particularly if you've got hours of travel ahead and will be wearing those same socks all day.
Laurie's simple solution is: "Wear a pair of ratty old socks through the TSA line and toss them when done."
If you don't have any socks you're willing to part with, the second option is to bring a clean pair in your carry-on and a small plastic bag. After going through security, swap the dirty socks for the fresh ones, pop the old pair into the bag and wash them when you reach your destination.
Final verdict
In the comment section of Laurie's now-viral post - which has racked up over 1,000 likes in a week - followers shared their own useful tips.
One person wrote: "Always the best tips!", while another added: "Very good tips."
Some frequent flyers offered a premium workaround - get pre-approved for fast-track screening. In the US, that means TSA PreCheck. In Ireland, similar services like Dublin Airport's Fast Track Security allow you to bypass long queues.
One commenter suggested: "Or get TSA pre approved." Another chimed in: "Or get Pre TSA, and keep your shoes on. But those are truly great tips. Because sometimes TSA isn't open and you have to take off your shoes anyway. Thank you for all the great tips."
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