Very odd. I was just there a week ago for an international flight on United, albeit through priority security, and didn’t notice anything.
That makes a huge difference, most of the time. I've been using Pre-Check since the beginning (as I was enrolled in Global Entry).
I've traveled a couple of times where the Pre-Check line was longer than the regular line (because it was full of business travelers), but that's rare. Most of the time, I waltz right through.
It's $85 for 5 years. If you travel round-trip twice a year, that's $4.25 per flight departure. Believe me, it's worth the reduction in aggravation.
If you travel internationally, spend another $15 for Global Entry. You'll get a faster trip through US Customs when you return home, and all the Pre-Check benefits.
One caution: you have to schedule a personal appearance for either one. You can only do so for Global Entry at a limited number of airports. I'm not sure where the TSA Pre-check interviews are held, so check on that BEFORE you pay the non-refundable fee, or you will have to book a trip to an enrollment center.
Very odd indeed. My child just flew out of the Int’l terminal at ORD last Saturday and the TSA line took over an hour. Strange