iirc the article said they arrived at security t-35. so it doesnt sound like they were dithering airside. that sounds like the issue was airside.
maybe i am missing something here, but if you are late for check in, you cant check in.
so lets say they checked in right on the deadline of t-40 mins. assessing cctv shows them arriving at security t-35mins. thats not unrealisitc....