Originally Posted by
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The TSA Pre line is way faster then the expedited line in almost all cases. Don't even bother with expedited.
Pro Tip: At JFK, Mint/Mosaic check-in is all the way at the far end of the departures level while TSA pre is much closer to the door when you first drive up to the departures level. If you're getting dropped off and have no bags and have your boarding pass already, have the driver stop as soon as they can and leave you there are opposed to going to the far end that says Mint/Mosaic as you're just going to end up walking all the way back.
Not sure when the last time you've been to T5, but they moved the TSA pre check line to the other side next to the entrance to the expedited. So you would actually want to be dropped off a little further down the departures area, closer to the end. And beware, its not always open. But if it is, yes it is definitely faster than expedited.
Anyways T5 won't be too crowded at 5-6 pm. It will be the traffic getting to JFK that will be killer at that time of day. So I would factor in at least an hour in traffic unless you live really close. I always try to get to JFK and hour before the
boarding time. So I allow 30 min through security (even for expedited, although its usually less) which leaves me time to use the restroom, fill up my water bottle, grab a sandwich and have time for either a quick drink at the bar or to find a seat and get on my laptop for a few min to respond to emails etc.
But T5 is a great facility, if you want to get there with time to spare, they have lots of good dining options both quick and sit-down and they also have an outdoor rooftop area which is nice if you want to take your food outside or just get some fresh air while you wait.