This TSA Ad Is Sending the Wrong Message to Female Travelers

Read today's edition of Gate Access • April 28th, 2025

Happy Monday. Let’s catch you up! We’re 8 days away from the official enforcement date of the REAL ID Act. I know if you’re reading this, you’re REAL ID ready!

No major updates to report this week, but here’s what caught my eye.

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On The Radar

🟢 Delta and Uber have launched a partnership allowing SkyMiles members to earn miles on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. The program is now live for waitlisted users and rolls out to all SkyMiles members this week.

🟢 Beginning May 1st, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will increase parking rates for the first time since 2017 to support rising costs and infrastructure upgrades. Costs are jumping to $75 a day at some lots.

🟢 Los Angeles Metro will open the new LAX Transit Center on June 6th, providing a major step toward a direct rail link to Los Angeles International Airport. The center will connect the K and C light rail lines, feature a 16-bay bus terminal, and offer shuttle service to the airport until the automated people mover opens in 2026.

🟢 Uber will launch its new Uber Shuttle service at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in May, offering scheduled rides every 30 minutes between Midtown, downtown Atlanta, and the airport from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. The service will start with $10 introductory fares (rising to $18.50 later) and feature 14-passenger vehicles, real-time tracking, advanced booking, and QR code boarding validation.

🟢 Starting May 1st, United Airlines will introduce a new “huddle process” for handling intoxicated passengers before departure. If two flight attendants observe signs of intoxication independently, they must call a mandatory meeting with flight operations and airport staff to coordinate removal.

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Wild TSA Bag Check Finds

Have you ever wondered why TSA makes you take off your flip-flops? Recently, TSA officers found a sharp blade tucked away inside the sole of a flip-flop.

Credit: TSA

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What Every Female Traveler Should Know About This TSA Ad

On the surface, this TSA ad seems harmless. It simply shows a stylish high heel. The problem is, it’s giving female travelers some seriously false hope.

Here’s the thing… even if you have TSA PreCheck, you’ll still walk through a metal detector. And guess what’s often hiding inside those fabulous heels? Metal.

Specifically, a metal rod that runs through the heel for support. That means if you’re rocking pumps, stilettos, or anything remotely business-chic, there’s a good chance you’re going to set off the alarm, leading you to pull off those shoes.

It’s especially frustrating for business travelers who are trying to keep it professional and move quickly. I never understood why the marketing team at TSA allowed this image to go live.

Now, technically, there’s a workaround if you’re determined to keep your shoes on.