I'm not currently in DC, so I can't go and observe DCA...but can anyone tell me what TSA is like at DCA now that "Evolution" is in effect? Any noticeable differences? Are everyone now required to go through the millimeter machine, or only those who are SSSS'ed?

ThanksQ!

I don't think anyone's required to use the backscatter ... think you can take a normal SSSS instead.

I think that they are feeding people through multiple lanes as usual, so you might get the new machine or a normal WTMD. If you happen to end up in front of the backscatter machine, you have the choice ot using it or getting a secondary (SSSS). You will not be able to choose to go through a regular WTMD.

Of course, as with all things, YMMV.

I went through the YX/NW/FL terminal last weekend. Evolution had not been implemented there as of then. But the new badges were obvious.

last thursday there were four x-ray machines going at the C terminal, two feeding a traditional WTMD, two feeding a traditional WTMD plus backscatter machine. i think that the x-ray devices are fairly new, as the operators kept calling for help examining the screens. also, there was a uniformed TSA person constantly messing with the WTMDs, reaching up and pushing buttons on the 'secure' side and making notes. these holdups caused the lines to be way slower than normal. usually i can clear terminal C security around 5.00pm on a thursday in just a couple of minutes, last week took maybe 10 minutes. (i know, that's nothing compared to some airports, but for terminal C it was unusual.)

as far as the backscatter is concerned, i was in one of the lines feeding it, and they did NOT make me climb inside. i just walked around it. looked like maybe around half of the passengers were forced inside.

i'm heading out of DCA again this afternoon. i'll come back and update this if there are any changes.

also, i flew through DTW a couple of weeks ago, and while waiting in line i said to my wife something to the effect of "oh, they still have the puffers here". the TSA guy next to me heard what i said and got chatty (he looked incredibly bored). he said that DTW was in the process of getting all new equipment. he mentioned the backscatter machines specifically. he said that the staff was being trained and that the installation will happen 'this summer'.

he was pretty friendly, which makes him the exception at DTW. at no other aiport have i been hassled, yelled at, touched and menaced like at DTW. the staff there is, for the most part, the rudest and angriest i have ever encountered.

(sorry of the aside... continue discussing DCA...)