In December 2001, Richard Reid gained notoriety as the “shoe bomber.” He attempted to blow up explosives concealed in his shoes aboard American Airlines Flight 63. This flight happened to be over the Atlantic, flying from Paris to Miami. As a result of what Reid had done, there were significant worldwide changes in airport security procedures.
On that infamous day, Reid tried to blow up the plane with explosives he was trying to light with matches while inside the airplane. Fortunately for all of us, quick-thinking flight attendants and fellow passengers stopped his plan, saving the people on those planes from a potentially devastating tragedy. The failed attack exposed major vulnerabilities within aviation security, resulting in immediate heightened measures that centered heavily on passenger screening.
Reid’s arrest and ensuing life sentence ushered in a new era of airport security. His actions inspired real, demonstrable changes to the way security is handled at these important sites. After his fail, governments around the world introduced strict laws that mandated passengers have to take off their shoes while going through security checkpoints. This precaution was meant to avoid having a similar incident happen again in the future.
As time went on, attitudes toward these new security precautions turned sour. Recent discussions among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials suggested a reconsideration of the shoe removal requirement, reflecting advancements in technology and security practices. The TSA’s changing position reflects a step toward an increasingly efficient passenger experience that doesn’t compromise on safety.
Reid’s shoes, once an integral part of a thwarted terrorist plot, now serve as historical artifacts within the FBI’s collection. They demonstrate how significant and necessary changes occur and should occur in the history of aviation security. These measures directly address the current threats to air travel.
