Coming through LAX 2 weeks before my operation for a hip replacement.
I'm not a newbie, so no liquid/pointy stuff etc and everything metallic from my pockets in the carry on, notebook out etc.
The "Shoes Off" rule.
I asked if there was a chair for me to be able to remove my shoes due to the limited movement in my hip joint, explained the reason politely and got
"You can crouch"
"Well, actually, that doesn't work. Limited movement in my hip joint etc. Can I rest against the table"
"No. You'll have to go through extra security if you don't take your shoes off. I'm trying to think of a solution for you"
"If I can rest against the table, I can get my shoes off"
"I SAID I'M TRYING TO THINK OF A SOLUTION FOR YOU"
While she was thinking of a solution (which appeared to consume all her limited brain CPU, because she didn't register what I was doing,) I rested against the table, took off my shoes, put them in the tray and was gone.
The last time I saw her, she was still looking blankly into the distance, doubtlessly trying to think of a solution for me......