it all depends on where you're flying form and time of day. two weeks ago - on sunday may 8, my partner and I were flying from ORD T1 UA to DCA. 6PM flight. I had pre check, he had access to the elite line. We entered our respective lines at 4:30pm - 90 minutes before our flight. I got through pre check in 40 minutes. He did NOT get out of the elite line before 6PM and missed the flight, and was rebooked for the 9PM flight. Not good. So it really depends on time of day and where you are.