The Unexpected Security Reason To Avoid Wearing High Heels Through TSA

Fact: What you wear to the airport can make a huge difference in your travel experience. From choosing better outfits for a free first class upgrade to getting kicked off a plane for your clothes, how you dress matters a whole lot more than you might imagine. And while comfort is key, most seasoned travelers know that the best way to fly is to opt for relatively casual, polished looks that work well both on the flight and at their destination.

That said, some travelers — like those heading straight to business meetings or corporate events — might consider wearing dressier footwear to help them maintain a professional appearance. And while this might seem like a practical choice for anyone who wants to save on space, there's one major problem with trying to elevate your travel outfit — especially when it comes to slipping on a pair of heels. Despite their polished appearance, heels cause airport security an unexpected complication. And it has nothing to do with the widespread misconception that TSA might consider them as potential weapons.

In fact, the real issue lies in how high heels are made. Whether they're designer stilettos or everyday pumps, most heels have a small metal rod inside them for added support and stability. This means that they'll be sure to trigger metal detectors every single time — which, in turn, leads to additional security checks, slower processing times, and a collective sigh from TSA agents who despise dealing with impractical airport outfits.

Unfortunately for sky-high fashionistas, there's no real way to get around taking those heels off at the airport's security checkpoint. Even if you've invested in TSA PreCheck — which typically allows you to keep your shoes on while passing through security — you'll still need to slide them off and send them through the X-ray machine separately.

What's even more frustrating is that this rule applies regardless of the heel height or brand. This often leads to confusion at security checkpoints, when first-time TSA PreCheck users are told they must remove their shoes despite the program's top-selling "shoes stay on" promise. And when you're already on your last nerve trying to make it to your gate on time, having to deal with putting your shoes back on as you're balancing on one leg can add unnecessary stress to your journey.

And if the idea of wasting time taking your shoes off and on isn't reason enough to skip the heels, maybe the thought of walking through the security checkpoint completely barefoot will. At busy airports, security checkpoints floors are exposed to over 10,000 pairs of bare feet daily. This means the floors can harbor significant concentrations of bacteria and viruses — with risks ranging from common fungal infections like athlete's foot to more serious bacteria for those with compromised immune systems. According a 2016 study by the University of Nottingham and the Finnish National Institute of Health and Welfare, additional health risks pile on thanks to viruses spread via surfaces like plastic security trays. So between the metal detectors and microscopic threats, those heels might be better suited for your destination, not your journey.