[justlurking]

All they have is a yes/no answer -- where the question is: do I subject this person to additional screening?

I forgot to explain: the information is printed on your boarding pass, if you know where to look for it.

It's usually a series of "S"s, i.e. "SSSS" in bold type on the face of the boarding pass. That's what the guy at the metal detector is looking for when you show your boarding pass as you walk through.

If it's not there, you'll avoid the additional screening unless you do something like try to walk through with a bunch of change in your pocket.

[cynwoody]

It's usually a series of "S"s, i.e. "SSSS" in bold type on the face of the boarding pass. That's what the guy at the metal detector is looking for when you show your boarding pass as you walk through.

SSSS is a transliterated Arabic acronym. Rough translation: Praise Allah! The operation is postponed.