The use of the e-boarding pass (EBP) is now available for non-stop flights from MSP. I used it to check in for my flight today from MSP-DCA. I used the checkpoint closest to the D Concourse, where my flight was to depart from.

After waiting in line for 15 minutes, I was told that the required scanning equipment was available only in the "Expert Traveler" (elite) line at that checkpoint and not the "Casual Traveler" line that I was standing in. I asked the TSA to escort me to the front of that line so I wouldn't need to begin my wait all over again and they did do that.

They asked me to scan my EBP over the scanner. After many tries using different angles for more than five minutes, it appeared it simply was not going to work. Just when I was about to give up and print a paper boarding pass at the nearest kiosk (a block away), the scanner made a clicking sound and accepted my e-boarding pass and the TSA matched the info against my drivers license.

I tossed my cellphone into a bin just before going through the metal detector. Fortunately, at MSP they no longer ask to see your boarding pass after you pass through the metal detector, so no problem.

At the gate I was asked to scan my EBP again and this time, the scanner responded immediately. But considering the trouble I had getting the TSA checkpoint scanner to read my EBP I doubt I will use this option again unless the scanning equipment is upgraded.