Taking off your shoes to fight terror

Funny how we are quite prepared to accept a multitude of inconveniences in the name of fighting 'terror'. This is especially true at the airport where you can get frisked if your belt has any metal in it, but if you are strong enough to break a mans neck with your bare hands you can go right through.

One of the indignities that irks me is having to remove my shoes - however now I never have to and I will let you know how its done.  BTW the terrorists already know this.

In the UK shoes are only taken off for a selection of the passengers.  This selection is pseudo random and based on a quota.  Every so often the passengers eager to head off to Dixons to buy overpriced electronics are told to go into a separate area where they take off their shoes and place them on a scanner.  When the required number of people have gone through the rest can just walk on by.

You goal is to be in the group that walks on by - it's simple.

As you pick up your belongings from the belt make a casual glance over at the shoe inspection area.  If they are already stopping people then you are in good luck, just take your time putting on your jacket and placing your laptop in your carry on.  In a while folks will just walk through, when they do start walking out.

  If they just start inspecting shoes as you get to your stuff then you will need to be a bit more creative.  I find that pretending I have mislaid my ticket, tap my pockets, look at the belt etc. can waste a minute or two while the quota is met. When the shoe line is closed, go for it.

Now if they are not inspecting shoes just yet you have a choice to make.  Look at the shoe inspection guy - is he getting ready for action?  If yes then wait and 'lose' your ticket.  If no then grab all your stuff and head out.  Put you belt on later, and carry your laptop.

So if you get this right you need never take off your shoes at Gatwick or Heathrow again.  So what is the point of inspecting shoes in the first place?