I flew out of MDW today and noticed that the line configuration has changed. Instead of a bunch of long lines to the metal detectors and one body scanner, (with the individual lines starting before the ticket document checkers), there is now one line after the ticket document checkers that leads to all of the security lanes (except for the elite lane). Additionally, I noticed that the metal detector in the far left lane was now closed and there was a person trying to direct people to particular lanes. Does anyone know how long that this has been in place and whether this is a permanent change? Fortunately, there is still only one body scanner, but I worry that this setup may make it harder to avoid it in the future, especially on days with light traffic.

I don't know how they are in MDW, but in JAX, a screener will frequently direct me to one line or another. Being that there are four lines and three have MMWs on them, the screener almost always directs people to those. I've ignored the screener every single time, and it's never once been an issue.

The TSA now has an odd fascination with the body scanners. More airports than not have them as primary. If you travel often, get used to it.