Anime Boston

I haven't been to AB since 2016 which I believe was the first year they implemented the metal detectors and such, and I felt like things were really chaotic and slow, to say the least, not to mention all the foam/plastic props that were seized for seemingly no reason. Did any of those people get their props back? How was it last year? Any improvement?

Well, they didn't have the walk-through metal-detectors & only had the wands last-year.
And my prop-gun wasn't seized.

As for if people had gotten their props back, I don't know if they did or not...

I thought the security in 2017's AB was majorly improved, I got in and out much faster than I ever did with the metal detector setup.

A 180 from the 2 years before it.
The longest I stood in line was ~10 min on Saturday.

I was super impressed last year too, which was something I totally didn't expect when they changed security around. Everything looked messy but was actually very efficient, I waited in line for maybe a little more than 5 minutes during my longer wait.

The most I waited last year was maybe 15 minutes on Saturday in the main entrance. People did have to line up outside around 10am ish 11am ish. But the other times, it was good. They use the wands last year and bag checks which didn't drag. There were enough security tables to swift us through quick enough. And they were pretty friendly. One was a little too friendly towards me at the Artist Alley security entrance. He asked me if I had a boyfriend. Ugh. Security was smooth sailing this time around. I hope they keep this this year.

Difference between '16 and '17 like night and day. Longest wait time whole weekend was about 5-10 minutes first thing Friday am. Can't remember any real issues Saturday. Once doors were open, lines moved a lot faster. From my standpoint, security personnel were much calmer.

Didn't cosplay last year, so I'll let others address the prop question.

Miles better! I didn’t feel overwhelmed or panicked at all, and security was super respectful and efficient. Like others have said there was barely a wait at all. Super happy with all of the changes, and I hope that it’s just like that this year.

Lines have really improved and become a lot more lax.

Only 2 minor things seemed to come to my attention:

If you or a friend has disabilities and uses a mobility tool. (#1)

#1) My husband was told upon entrance (at Boylston St.) to hand his walking cane (helps him walk and stand for long periods due to his illness) to security to inspect. There was no chair available for him to sit in the area while they would inspect and the would not offer to assist him in standing (thankfully I was with him). Then a security gentleman came over and said 'its fine' and he didn't have to check the cane.
(I understand that there are those con-attendees that try and bring cane's or umbrella's with swords or knives in them so I understand the concern)

2) At the Prudential Entrance there were vendors (with dolly's of product)and people with disabilities (wheelchairs etc.) being escorted by AB Staff through the very packed security check line into the Con.
Now I have no issue with the people that needed express access to the con, but it definitely made things a congested and aggravated as every 5 mins there were escorted people through.

I made a recommendation to "Con-operations area" (I think it was called), to make another entrance accessible for these express/high priority escorted people. I was met with "there is nothing that can be done".
Could the Dalton entrance had been used for these specific escorted individuals? Who knows.....