Travel Q & A

Q Last time I flew, the quicker security lines reserved for first-class passengers seemed to have disappeared at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. I travel a lot for business, and I was sorry to see it go. What's up?

A Checkpoints for travelers holding first-class tickets haven't disappeared; they just moved. Their relocation was among other changes to security checkpoints in the main terminal at the airport since last autumn, according to Patrick Hogan, spokesman for the Metropolitan Airports Commission.

"For a brief time, the airlines consolidated screening of travelers flying first class at checkpoint 5. They recently decided to shift those lanes to checkpoints 2 and 4 instead. Now, checkpoints 2 and 4 each has some lanes reserved for people flying first class and others available for people flying business or economy class," Hogan wrote in an e-mail.

In another change at Terminal 1-Lindberg, checkpoints 2 and 6 have been expanded to accommodate new TSA screening equipment. Checkpoint 6, next to Delta Air Lines' ticket counters, now has the most machines for screening passengers.

Hogan also said that construction on a second security checkpoint at Terminal 2-Humphrey, on the second floor near a new skyway that connects to parking and light rail, will begin later this summer and is scheduled to be complete in September 2012. That new checkpoint will provide "more space for advanced screening equipment and queues," he wrote. The ultimate goal of the renovations is to provide space for the most advanced screening technologies and an efficient screening process for travelers.

KERRI WESTENBERG

Megabus ups serviceMegabus.com, the express bus service made famous by its $1 one-way fares, doubled the number of trips between the Twin Cities and Chicago, Madison, Wisc., and Milwaukee last week. The company now offers eight daily trips between Minneapolis and Chicago, four trips between Minneapolis and Madison, and four trips between Minneapolis and Milwaukee. One-way ticket prices for the bus line begin at $1; that fare requires traveling midweek and booking online and well in advance of travel. The company's ticket prices fluctuate according to demand, so booking early, when fewer seats have been sold, garners the best deals. Typical one-way fares range from $10 to $30.

Sarasota sand tops listThe best beach for 2011 is Siesta Beach near Sarasota, Fla., according to an oceanography professor at Florida International University, Stephen Leatherman. Leatherman says he uses 50 measurements to grade beaches, including water quality, warmth and effects of crowds. But he retires a beach after it wins -- the list has been coming out since 1991, so that is a lot of sand out of the running.

MCCLATCHY NEWS SERVICE

A Northfield revivalThe Archer House River Inn in Northfield, Minn., will hold an open house on Friday from 5-7 p.m. to show off renovations, including tin ceilings and claw foot tubs. The 1877 French Second Empire building houses shops on the main level and 36 guest rooms above. The open house will showcase public spaces and several guest rooms. Also on tap for Friday in Northfield: an arts crawl and a fiber exhibit at the Northfield Arts Guild.

KERRI WESTENBERG

Lower New York City for lessNew York tourism has launched a campaign to promote Lower Manhattan. The Get More NYC: Lower Manhattan campaign includes hotel offers for weekend stays with a complimentary Downtown Culture Pass and 20 percent-off promos at Lower Manhattan shops, restaurants and attractions. Info: www.nycgo.com/getmorenyc.

A look at the White HouseGet a look at the inner workings of the White House at a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit on display through Aug. 28 at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud, Minn. "The Working White House: 200 Years of Tradition and Memories" features dozens of stories and artifacts from the country's most famous residence. This is the only showing of the exhibit in the state. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children and free for museum members. For hours and other details: 1-320-253-8424, 1-866-253-8424; www.stearns-museum.org).