This picture didn’t come out very well, but it warmly informs children under 12 that they can walk through security at DCA without taking their shoes off. Which also warmly informs anyone wanting to smuggle something onboard the plane that a child’s shoes is the way to avoid close inspection.

Either shoes are dangerous, or they aren’t. If they aren’t, then no one should need to take their shoes off. If they are, then kids shouldn’t catch a break.