Originally Posted by
gatelouse
If you have a few hours to spare, consider arriving early as if to greet an arriving passenger and observe how the checkpoint is operating. Suppose they're using the NoS when you arrive. A half-hour later, they may turn it off. (It's TSA mini-golf! Don't hit the windmill!) Or you might notice only one lane with the NoS on. There's some risk involved here, as a BDO might question you if you appear nervous (as you likely would). But if you can act like you're just waiting for someone, then give it a shot. The checkpoint can change on a regular basis.
Sadly, the terminal at ONT is set up so that you cannot see the checkpoint. It's up on the second floor, and they check your id (although thanks to Mocek we know we don't
HAVE to) on the first floor. I tried to get a peek when I picked up the future other half of LittleSparrow (who doesn't give a hoot and remains confused with regards to my violent "I would rather rip my own veins than submit" reaction) a few weeks ago.
The way it used to be was that you would get your id checked, go up the escalator and then form one line and go to the first metal detector that was available. I just don't know how they are doing it now, which makes the thought of traveling out of ONT really stressful. Like I said before, I haven't had a problem with any agents being rude or barking in the past, but you never know what will happen when people get unchecked power and no impunity (or how they'll treat an opt-out).