I'm flying later this week ORF-IAD-LHR, UA the first leg and VS the second. I'm arriving on UA7272 11:25 AM, and leaving on VS22 6:40 PM.

What would be the procedure to connect between the flights? Do I essentially leave the secure zone of the airport, get my bags, and then come back in through security at IAD and recheck on VS, or are there any links that can be made between the reservations?

I have a feeling that this is going to be a fun time on the new metro system...