If you do not have Global Entry, using a porter is a good idea. Global Entry is faster than a porter. New since 2021 is the USDA scan of all luggage, including carryon. You have to drop your bags in the USDA scanner after C&I and before the checked bag dropoff / TSA Precheck / TSA security. Pork (lunch meat, sandwich, anything) is currently banned and will be flagged by the scanner, along with fruit & veg.
If you are checking bags, I would recommend getting to the airline kiosk 3 hours before your flight is due to take off. On Saturday 2/1 the STT security line was very long and Delta was recommending arriving four hours before your flight. Weekday departure should be less busy.
Global Entry has a dedicated lane to the right (this has changed before) of security. You must have your Global Entry card, though I have heard a rumor of Global Entry kiosks in planning. You can bypass the primary security line to get in the Global Entry line.
Cheers, RickG
.
>
