The ‘request’ you may not want to refuse

I’M sure you received many comments on Laurie Berger’s article [“Why Airport Screenings Vary,” Travel Q&A;, July 24]. Here’s more. The TSA spokesman says the request to remove shoes may sound like a command. Let me attest to the fact that at most airports if one dares to go against the “request,” the passenger is in big trouble.

We passed through Alaska Airlines security in Seattle and I left my tennis shoes on. Two hours later, at Southwest, in the same airport, when they “requested” I take them off, I replied that they hadn’t set off the alarms two hours ago.

The screener called her supervisor, who pulled us out of line and tore our carry-ons apart. They even opened my makeup and face-cream jars. There is no doubt in my mind I was being punished for questioning them.

My husband and I are dumpy, middle-aged, unremarkable travelers, so their only reason was my shoes comment. Your article says to go up the chain of command if needed. I would never do that for fear of a repeat of the last experience.

KEVANN LAMKIN

Fontana

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YOU say that the screener’s “request” to remove one’s shoes may sound like a command. The reality is that at many locations, it is a command.

And as far as the screeners knowing the rules, that is of little consequence if the traveler is a person of color. In that case, the rules seem to become an excuse to profile passengers by race or ethnic background, allowing blatant discrimination to be disguised as heightened security.

STEVEN CORDWELL

Huntington Beach