Security Lines at IAH
 

How long are the security lines at IAH in Terminal C? Do they have a first class/elite line?

At terminal C they seem to go pretty fast. They have a maze roped off to contain the line; you need to go to about the center of the check in counter to get into the maze.

Took about five minutes to get my borading pass today (10:30AM; Terminal C; Elite Check-in). Took about two minutes to clear security. About the same amount of time for the past three trips out of IAH.

They have also introduced an employees-only screening station on the baggage claim level that's open during certain peak hours. They switched the direction of one of the escalators so employees go up an escalator to the terminal level after clearing this station. This means that passengers are not competing with airline employees at the regular checkpoint during peak hours.

If the lines are long at Terminal C consider taking the underground people mover to Terminal B, clear security there and take the airside monorail back to Terminal C. This takes about 10 minutes, but will be much shorter than waiting in a full maze.

Terminal B security lines are usually always short. Also, Terminal B has e-ticket checkin machines and ticket counters for Continetal, although they say Continental Express, I have never had a problem checking in for a CO flight there.

If you're traveling after the 18th you might encounter further delay due to security but not necessarily at the metal detection machine. On Friday, all checked luggage must be screened. IAH has only one bomb-detecting machine which is located in Terminal A http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif. I am already expecting delays as the airlines try to work out the new FAA requirements.

Here's an article from the Houston Chronicle with further details.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/metro/1208610