When the renovation is completed, color-coded signs will direct passengers to the three lines.
Northwest was directing passengers to its Web site, www.nwa.com, for information about individual flights.
Some riders complained of a lack of officials to direct passengers.
The airline said that if it was not flying, it would direct passengers to other airlines where they would be honored at no extra cost.
About 15 minutes ahead of time, attendants directed passengers to form two lines, giving priority to senior citizens and those with special needs.
The system generates a recorded announcement at the gate directing passengers to board in groups by seat numbers while the agents take boarding passes.
He directed passengers toward the two tracks where shuttle trains continued to operate.
At 5:30 A.M. the captain directed passengers to put on life jackets and report to their lifeboat stations.
More damning was the conclusion that, with a few notable exceptions, the crew made no effort to direct passengers to safe pathways to the boat deck.
Then crewmen were officiously directing passengers to move to the port side of the lock.