Alternatives to T1 Priority Security Screening at ORD?
Jan 15, 2013 | 2:10 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD, TXL, SZZ
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Posts: 96
Alternatives to T1 Priority Security Screening at ORD?
Apologies if this topic was discussed before but I would like to hear opinions on how to get quickly through security at ORD. The priority line at Terminal 1 is sometimes enormously long and if you travel internationally, you cannot count on pre-check. Have people tried going to other terminals' screening and walk back to Terminal 1 after passing security or is there any other quick way?
I have been burned a couple of times recently as I usually allow no more than 15 min. for screening and the line was a good 40-50 min.
I have been burned a couple of times recently as I usually allow no more than 15 min. for screening and the line was a good 40-50 min.
Jan 15, 2013 | 2:45 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 100
When you enter ORD, go all the way to the left or right. To the left there is a full size security screening area there that is typically empty (typically opens around 6am), even when hundreds of people are lined up at the other checkpoints. On the far right, where Lufthansa used to be I believe, is a small checkpoint that is also shorter. If you fail pre-check, head left, it's no more than a 2 minute walk and the line will be shorter.
Jan 15, 2013 | 2:46 pm
#4
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Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ORD / DUB / LHR
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When you enter ORD, go all the way to the left or right. To the left there is a full size security screening area there that is typically empty (typically opens around 6am), even when hundreds of people are lined up at the other checkpoints. On the far right, where Lufthansa used to be I believe, is a small checkpoint that is also shorter. If you fail pre-check, head left, it's no more than a 2 minute walk and the line will be shorter.
Jan 15, 2013 | 4:04 pm
#5
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
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The only problem with "all the way right" is that they don't have pre-check there, unless this has recently changed.
Jan 15, 2013 | 4:21 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
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Unless there is a Lufthansa flight, in which case the line can be very long and slow. If no precheck, generally ok, or keep going left past the GS lounge to checkpoint 4 (I think that's the number).
Jan 17, 2013 | 7:24 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: UA MM, AA PPro
Posts: 1,519
All the way to the left is Checkpoint 3. The line is frequently shorter, but I have found that it moves slower, since that checkpoint is used by crew and airport personnel, who get to cut in line.
Jan 17, 2013 | 9:36 am
#10
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Jan 18, 2013 | 6:55 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,388
I've been through the T2 priority line 4 times over the last 18 months, always WTMD.