We experienced an unusual grilling/conversation when we flew to the US in January, with American Airlines from Manchester (‘Most airport security does not protect against threat’, 25 March). None of the expected questions about electronic equipment, but why were we travelling, what were our hobbies and what did we do for a living. Being retired, we then had to answer about how much we enjoyed our work or otherwise. I enthused about teaching English, of course. I suppose that was a “managed conversation”.

However, an apparent “pass” didn’t stop me, a 69-year-old little Welsh woman, having to remove my sturdy laced boots and then needing a chair to enable me to put then back on. Did the fact that it was Friday 13th have anything to do with it?

Tina Lukey

Mold, Flintshire

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