If you're planning to fly on American from Miami Interntional Airport, take note: You'll no longer be stuck in that cramped line at checkpoint D. As part of ongoing construction, the checkpoints for C and D have been combined at the old entrance to C in a open space that's brighter, friendlier and faster.

The new checkpoint features nine security lanes -- though how many are open at a given time varies according to predicted passenger loads. Opened since Aug. 22, the new checkpoint is handling 10-15,000 passengers per day, said D.L. Wright, the TSA's deputy security director at Miami International. Average wait time: 3 minutes.

After the security point, you can turn right into the old ''C'' concourse, or left into the new D concourse. Passengers have been using some ''new'' parts of D for months; just opened are two more gates, new hallways with floor insets by artist Michele Oka Doner and airy rotundas that give the space style and light (eliminating the dank cavern ambiance and falling ceiling of yore.)

Passengers now exit security at the old D gate.

Throughout the central terminal area, carpets and lights have been replaced in most areas.

The checkpoint is a temporary measure, allowing the airport to continue operating while the north terminal is under construction, said director Jose Abreu. In July 2009, the space will be converted to a baggage pick-up area designed to be much speedier than the current system; at that point, security operations will be dispersed throughout the North Terminal. And yes, says Abreu, the airport is on track to meet the schedule.

-- JANE WOOLDRIDGE

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