Originally Posted by
periperi
I don't think you mentioned in your original post that this was I:I; that's a shame -- this is a great feature of connecting at IAH vs other hubs, and I'm sure someone would have pointed this out had you noted it.
In this situation, it's best not to follow the path of least resistance route to that horrible recheck, but to exit completely and come back in through regular security. But 10 minutes is fine, it likely wouldn't have been any better....
People here suggested that bags are checked through but most of airport employees said to them (me on the phone), they need to pick them up regardless, that has caused confusion until I made decision for them to just go and don't care about the bags.
I was thinking about them exiting and returning back airside but navigation skills are not their strongpoint. 'Confused foreigner in panic' mode whisked them through security more effectively.
Thank you all for all advice, lesson learned is to have them move on standby for earlier flight on the inbound leg from QRO-IAH as they will have again only 2:30h connection.