Washington IAD advice

I am flying to Denver again on Dec 14th, via Washington on VS21.
last time I did this, I checked my bag just after Customs, and got onto one of those weird large people movers and headed to the Main Terminal.

When I checked the bag, I got a ticket that was like a boarding pass, which got me through Security.

My question is :

As I am air side, and I have a pass that I can exchange at the gate for a Boarding pass, do I really need to go out to the main terminal and battle through security ?

The last trip I did was my first connecting flight via Washington to Denver, and despite 2 hours between flights, I only just made it in time, I was very hungry as I had no time to stop for food, and i learned that United's in flight catering is pants.

I know this is not technically a Virgin question, but I would appreciate some guidance.

[mcmbenjamin]

On arrival at IAD, travelers board mobile lounges that travel to the IAB (International Arrivals Building) which is in the main terminal where all check in is housed. Traveler go thru immigration, then claim baggage, pass customs then recheck baggage with there outgoing airline and receive there boarding card there. United has a both before you exit the IAB that allows you to recheck your baggage and get your boarding card that allows you thru security.

Now if you were flying out on jetBlue or Southwest (just started to Dulles) you would need to bring your bags to the ticketing/checking level.

Once you recheck your baggage, follow the purple transfer signs to go thru security. Take the mobile lounge to the C/D or A/B gate areas. I bet you will be in C gates. A and B gates have a tunnel.

Ask if you need you detail.

A bunch of people give IAD stack but I do not understand any other way to inspect baggage. IIRC a traveler flying DEN-LHR-EDI would never pass with there baggage thru customs and is totally on the honestly system to report the excess goods and other items.

Thanks for the advice, it was a C gate last time, what was funny was I spent 2 hours going in a big circle, as my United Plane was back to back with the Virgin one !

From the advice you have given, and my experience last time, I suspect I can avoid having to go to the main terminal and therefore re-screened with thousands of others and avoid the hour long line.

When I get back on the 22nd , I'll do the same and go straight to the Club House.

I appreciate the answer. Many thanks.

[mcmbenjamin]

No Mark, if arriving from the UK to IAD on VS you will need to the IAB which is in the Main Terminal and go thru security there. You enter a landside area upon exiting the IAB then walk 600 feet, turn right, take the elasctor, and join the security line.

Now if you flew UA LHR-IAD they have an arrivals building in the C gates and would avoid this.

Pretty much the same procedure at all US airports.

So I need to basically exit and start again ?
When I arrive back at IAD from DEN do I need to check in at the counter, or can I check in at the Club House ?