Flying R from DFW to ORD in September. 4 people in our party, 2 have Pre-check, two don't. At this point, I have no idea which terminal we will be in. Today the flight is leaving from terminal D but the equipment is changing between now and then so I guess it is possible that we could end up back in terminal A.

I generally just go straight to the Pre-check line so I can't remember if I've ever used the Priority line before. Can you go through the Priority line and then go through either standard screening or Pre-check or does it dump you right into a standard screening lane? Time-wise, Priority might be as fast as Pre-check but it makes a difference having to pack for going through the standard screening line. Or I could send the 2 without Pre-check through the Priority line and continue to do things the way I always do.

Thanks

Just go through Pre Check and wait for the other 2. Why would you need to stand in line with them? As far as what terminal if it's a widebody a/c it will be highly likely A or D (not sure C can accommodate wide bodies) otherwise it could be one of 4 terminals and you won't know until about 36-48 hours out. And even that could then change.

A few data points missing:

All 4 on the same reservation?

If 1 (or 2 in your case) person(s) has pre-check, it is sometimesgranted to other party members on the same res'y. I have had my PreCheck apply to others in the party like 70% of the time, even when they are not enrolled. But it has been a while since I have thought to look, and now my SO (main travel partner) has GE so it is a bit of a moot point. I think same last name is a factor.

Otherwise, R class ticket would entitle the ticket holder to use Priority Security Lanes, and will be noted on their boarding pass. Send 'em thru the Priority line and meet them on the other side after you get thru Pre Check. Unless there is a pressing need to stay together for medical/special assistance or something of that nature?

Depending on the time of day, we are talking maybe 5-15 minutes of difference of screening times if lines are not super long? Maybe the first one thru grabs coffee for the other 3 people?

And MiamiAirport Formerly NY George is right, if you get downgauged to a narrow-body - it is anyone's guess what terminal you will depart from.

Widebodies frequently go out of Terminal A. I wouldn't assume Terminal D just b/c it's a widebody flight. Even international widebody flights often depart from Terminal A.

Thanks, and yes all one reservation. I actually think I've seen what you suggest happen before when we flew with one of our (adult) children. That is why I can't remember them using the Priority lane, I think we all had Pre-check on our boarding passes even though only my wife & I are actually in the program.

Neither of our adult children fly much so they have never enrolled. On the other hand, I could just get them enrolled between now and then and not have to think about it. Our daughter doesn't handle stress well. Everyone going together through Pre-check would be the least stressful way.

As to which terminal, the flight is wide body today but will be a narrow body by September so, yes it is impossible to guess which terminal. Heck, it is sometimes impossible to guess which terminal until 30 minutes before boarding. Gotta love AA at DFW.

Not sure what the covid-era time frame is for a new Pre-Check application, but if it is doable; buy it for the other two. Best money I ever spent. As far as I'm concerned it pays off in one round trip

It might be worthwhile for those with precheck to take the non-precheck carry-ons through security depending on how much unpacking and repacking would be otherwise required.

That is exactly what I am thinking. My kids aren't going to want to spend the money on their own but I'll cover it if it means I can be sure we can all go through together rather than having to split up. I checked and as far as I can tell there isn't any particular slowdown in Pre-check applications right now and I've still got maybe 7 weeks.