Passenger Terry Mansfield, who is in his 70s, was surprised to be told that he did not need to remove his shoes while passing through airport security.
Though willing and able to comply with all checks Mr Mansfield, a former director of the UK arm of the US publishing giant Hearst, and who remains a consultant with the corporation, was assured there was no need.
A spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, which governs surveillance at airports and other points of entry, said the policy was as a result of risk-based, intelligence-driven research.
This, he said, allowed them to better focus efforts on suspicious passengers while expediting the screening process for those deemed to be less of a risk.
The policy applies to all major US airports.
“Travellers that appear 75 years old and older may leave their shoes and light jackets on when going through the security checkpoint,” said the spokesman.
However, if an alarm sounds during the screening process officers are obliged to stop the person proceeding any further until all suspicion is lifted.
The traveller may undergo a pat-down search or the controversial full body scanner.
“Those passengers that aren’t able to stand, will be screened through others methods which may include a test for traces of explosives and/or a pat down while seated,” added the spokesman.
The Department for Transport is responsible for the security of UK airports, where there is restrictions on liquids and the need to remove shoes, belts and coats or jackets before passing through a scanner or being scanned by a security officer using a hand-held device.
Some passengers are selected at random for pat downs.
The DoT policies are implemented at each airport by the airport security staff and security procedures may vary from airport to airport.
Manchester Airport said all travellers were subject to the same security rules and screening as set out by the DoT.
A Heathrow spokesperson said safety and security was its top priority.
“Processes to ensure this may require passengers to remove their shoes as part of our security screening programmes.”
For those who need it, “assistance is provided”.
Glasgow Airport said: “Security searches are adapted on an individual basis where required. For a passenger with reduced mobility, an alternative method of screening would be deployed.”