My direct experience with PreCheck is limited, since I haven't had it that long and I'm not a frequent flyer. But I have observed the lines at the c/ps at my home airport, BWI, on a number of occasions.
In my humble opinion, PreCheck is better than the standard lane in every way, shape, and form, even if there are more people in the PreCheck lane. The reasons for my preference are two:
1) PreCheck moves significantly faster than the standard lane. I've seen the PC line twice as long as the standard lane and people still get through it much faster.
2) Regardless of whether there are or are not any time savings, PreCheck offers significant convenience benefits. In the PreCheck line I don't have to disrobe, I don't have to unpack my carryon of electronics, LGA bag, etc., and I don't have to completely empty my pockets (though I do have to divest myself of metal). Even the lack of gray plastic tubs is a benefit, since it removes the hassle of packing one and later putting it away.
Originally Posted by
EAJuggalo
The Pre line would have to be 10 times longer than the standard for me to forego Pre. Shoes off, belt off, electronics out, medications out, through the scanner and probably something alerts anyway. If general was a walk through and Pre was 50 deep, maybe. But I've never seen that, the worst I've seen is about even. No way I'm missing out on Pre for an even split.
Agreed. Even when the PreCheck lane has substantially more people in it, it still moves faster than the standard lane, and you get the other benefits I described above.