Every airport is different in how they are handling security at this time. Many are doing the checked bag screening in line before you can go to the ticket counter to get a boarding pass. I ran into this practice in Colorado Springs, Denver, Chicago, and Atlanta within the last four weeks, but not in Minneapolis. This also may vary between airlines, but I'm usually cutting it too close trying to catch a flight to notice what's happening in other lines.

The routine for going through the metal detectors and having your carry-on baggage x-rayed also varies depending on the airport. The metal detectors have been upgraded at every airport I've been through this year. The rivets in your Levi's won't set it off, but it doesn't take much more than that. My pewter belt buckle used to make it through every metal detector prior to this year. I try to remember to wear pants that will stay up without a belt for at least a little while when I'm going to an airport to catch a plane. If you have a personal carry-on item like a purse for ladies or a computer case for anyone, put everything containing metal into it. Sunglasses, cell phones, keys, pocket change, cigarettes and lighters, everything. Let 'em see all of that stuff through the x-ray machine. If you beep when walking through the metal detector, expect a bunch more time spent having security run wands over your body, asking you to remove apparel and other sundry stuff. If you want to keep your trip as hassle free as is possible, make the security check point as simple as it can be for those good people doing the checks.

...don't be surprised when you run into unusual situations. When flying out of Denver 10 days ago, they were making everyone in line at the concourse security stations take off their shoes and run them through the x-ray. Overkill if you ask me, but I guess they got tired of leather shoes with metal plates setting off the metal detectors. ...they could learn a lesson from Atlanta. Atlanta has a little box with a footprint on it that will detect metal in a shoe before you go through the metal detector, so not everyone has to take off their shoes.

Bob