It's actually not poppycock, the 24 hour notice requirement has been in effect since this winter:

http://www.btnw.com/Issue.aspx?issue=2/3/2003#257

You can indeed bypass it by getting the Y ticket, but that could be more hassle than just calling ahead the day before. I'm always loathe to do anything that is an attempt to circumvent TSA rules. The minute I do, they will catch me and I wouldn't be surprised if it was a violation. Admittedly, this is an obscure possibility, but providing 24 hour's notice is not usually too difficult.

[This message has been edited by bergamini (edited 10-12-2003).]