Shoe Ads To Be Placed In Bins For Shoes

The next time you're forced to place your shoes in a plastic bin to go through security screening... you'll likely find an advertisement there, and it will probably be for shoes.

USA Today reports the Transportation Security Administration plans to expand a pilot program launched last year, that allows airports to sell advertising at TSA checkpoints. As ANN reported, that program placed advertisements in bins at 14 airports, including LAX and Denver International.

In exchange for the right to place ads in TSA bins, advertisers reimburse the agency in the form of new equipment -- to the tune of $435,000 worth of new bins, carts, and other checkpoint necessities stemming from the 18-month trial. Airports also receive a cut of ad revenue.

"It's premium space for a premium audience," touts Joe Ambrefe, president of the company that sold the bin ads under the pilot program, SecurityPoint Media.

Though some may question how "premium" an average airline traveler actually is, there's no question TSA applauds the program, as it frees the agency at least partly from its reliance on tax dollars. Airports may use the profits for improvements.

So far, the bulk of advertising has been purchased by online shoe and apparel retailer Zappos.com, with Sylvania and Sony also buying ads.

FMI: www.tsa.gov, www.securitypointmedia.com