Today I flew out of LaGuardia airport in New York. When I got to the security checkpoint, I see that they now had three new lines: “casual traveler,” “expert traveler,” and one for Family/medical needs.

Since I don’t have any special medical needs and I’m not with a family, i looked at the other two.

Casual and Expert.

I’ve traveled more than the average person, but am I an “expert?” What makes one an expert? Upon closer reading, smaller print on the sign says:

• Casual Traveler = familiar with TSA procedures, multiple carryons
• Expert Traveler = expert at TSA procedures, always ready with items removed, flies more than twice a month, travels light, elite frequent flier member

At first glance, I’d think I should go in the Expert line. I’m traveling light, and I know TSA procedures. But there’s a problem:  I’m not an elite frequent flier member. Can I still use that line?

Another question, what if a person is  “expert” in every other question, but for some flight has have multiple carryons? Which line then? Maybe I’m overthinking this, but why cause a person to think if they don’t have to?

See, too much thinking had to go on for me to process where to go. But then again, I’ve got nothing but time in going through security.

I finally asked today why there are three boarding pass/ID checkers within 50 feet of each other. Here is the answer:

• First checker is for “sorting” into proper line
• Second checker is to check ID/boarding pass
• Third checker is “failsafe” in case #2 didn’t do their job right.