Emergency Landings

There seems to be conflicting information as to whether all shoes need to removed in an aircraft emergency landing or just high-heeled shoes.

On the safety cards behind the seats, you only see pictures of people removing high-heeled shoes (to protect the chute). However, I have heard accounts that everybody has to take their shoes off. On the flight to Japan last week, there was an animated film presenting the saftey instructions. People who had been flat shoes had taken them off in that.

I suppose in an emergency, the cabin crew have nopt got time to check everybody's shoes and find it easier just to tell everybody to take their shoes off.

Now removing shoes at home might not be a life or death issue like in an aircraft emergency, but high heels and also flat shoes can leave scratches and marks on wood and laminate flooring.

Removing Shoes at Airport Security

At Birmingham airport they make everybody take their shoes off at the security checkpoint. It was interesting to watch how people were taking this. I was surprised how graceful people were about it. I did notice people were mostly quick to put their shoes on again. I thought it was rather comfortable. The carpet was delightfully soft.

Going through Birmingham airport security was rather like being arrested; you have to empty your pockets and remove your belt and shoes. The only difference is that they do not make you take your necktie off.

I was surpised to find I had to go through another security check at Zurich. They did not ask people to take their shoes off there, but quite a few people had to go back shoeless when the metal detector bleeped. As my boots have zips and buckles, I took them off anyway. The lady next to me did the same. I think the Birmingham policy was more sensible. The check was much quicker with people only going through once. Besides, can they detect explosives with a metal detector? I would have thought x-raying shoes for explosives would be more important than only checking them for razor blades.

My hope is that with people having to take off their shoes in situations like this, they will get more used to the idea that you cannot keep your shoes on all the time and that stocking feet are required in some circumstances.

I am alive and well in Japan

I am, alive and well in Japan. As might be expected I am in my socks on a tatami floor.

I will post more when I get the opportunity.

Happy New Year and Godspeed!

It has been awhile, but it has been a very tragic holiday. I have had a parent pass away. I am still alive and kicking but I am still trying to get back into the swing of things.

What I do is kick them in the pants with a diamond buckled shoe!
~~Aileen Mehle~~

Goodbye

I am going to Japan for a two-month mission trip next Tuesday. You may not get another post from me for a while.

As Japan is probably the most zealously shoes-off country in the world, I may come back with some inspiration.