Has anyone flown out of DCA Reagan International Airport?

[turtlebean]

Was wondering what your experiences have been? We've never flown out of DCA, usually fly out of BWI or Dulles. DCA was much cheaper to fly out of than other airports. We have an early flight, so we'll have to eat breakfast at the airport. Here are some ?'s I have if anyone can answer them:

I looked at the map on their website, it looks like most places to eat are before you go thru security. Is this pretty accurate?

How was getting through security, is it painful or pretty painless?

How much time did you alot yourself to get from the economy parking lot, check your bags and get through to security before your flight?

Was parking hard to come by in the economy lot?

BWI has tons of offsite parking that shuttle to the airport and is a lot cheaper than parking at the airport. Is there any place like that around DCA?

Did you have any problems w/your flight being late or not leaving on time(not due to weather)?


Thanks in advance for any tips or info you can give. We plan on taking a test run down there before our trip since we live over an hour away.

 

[jsilvers]

I looked at the map on their website, it looks like most places to eat are before you go thru security. Is this pretty accurate?

Most of the full-service dining options at DCA are outside of security (TGIFriday's, etc.), but most of the quick options (Five Guys, Potbelly, etc.) are inside security.

Also note that the options in Terminal A (i.e., if you're flying AirTran, JetBlue or Spirit) are limited either way - it's the oldest DCA terminal still in use and hasn't seen much TLC.

How was getting through security, is it painful or pretty painless?

Usually painless. Even if a security line looks full, it's still not that long. Because there are four sets of gates (approximately 10-15 in each pier), there isn't a chokepoint like at Orlando, Atlanta, or other airports.

BWI has tons of offsite parking that shuttle to the airport and is a lot cheaper than parking at the airport. Is there any place like that around DCA?

Not really, since unlike many airports DCA is in a highly-developed area which doesn't have cheap real estate available that could be used for off-airport parking. Various hotels in neighboring Crystal City may have parking deals, but they may not end up being more convenient or cheaper than economy parking at the airport.

Did you have any problems w/your flight being late or not leaving on time(not due to weather)?

No better or worse than at any other airport. The last time I flew to Orlando from DCA, the flight was delayed due an engine problem, but that could have happened anywhere. (But in my case it was also helpful that DCA is a "focus city" for US Airways, since they were able to swap out the aircraft; if it had been a carrier that has only limited operations at National, the flight probably would have been cancelled outright.)

 

[uva185]

jsilvers did a great job of answering your questions but I'll try to add a bit...

DCA is a painless airport. It's so easy I refuse to use IAD or BWI regardless of cost. I have never used the Economy lot so I cannot comment on how long that part takes but when flying US Airways I can typically go from the Daily Garage to the gate in 15 minutes (including time to check a bag).

The airport is divided up into 4 sections each with their own security checkpoint so the lines are never long.

I once made a reservation for parking at the Marriott in Crystal City using www.globalairportparking.com for $8 per day (Plus $5 one-time fee) but I was running late and ended up using the Daily Garage at DCA instead. The company refunded my parking reservation without any questions so they seem like a good company to go through.

I'd say DCA is less prone to delays because they have fewer flights to clog up the runway, tarmac, etc.

 

[singleinthe city]

The "economy" lot, otherwise known as daily parking is $20 a day, so not exactly economical. Research hotel parking if this is outside of your budget.

DCA is so much easier than IAD. I would rather cut off my leg rather than have to go thru IAD.

Agree that the food is pretty slim pickings in Terminal A, but there is an Einstein Bagels before security that will do for a continental breakfast. The post security options in B & C are fine for counter service food. There are tables for the fast food establishments. Every fast food establishment beyond security serves some breakfast items. Don't forget you can always throw a few breakfast snacky items in yoru carryon as long as they aren't liquid. Options include Pop Tarts, granola bars, cheese sticks, portable single serve cereal bowls and then you can buy milk post security.

Your other option is to make ham and cheese biscuits/english muffins the night before, wrap in aluminum foil then throw them in the oven as soon as you get up. Bring hot sandwiches for the car trip to the airport.

 

[uva185]

The "economy" lot, otherwise known as daily parking is $20 a day, so not exactly economical. Research hotel parking if this is outside of your budget.

DCA is so much easier than IAD. I would rather cut off my leg rather than have to go thru IAD.

Agree that the food is pretty slim pickings in Terminal A, but there is an Einstein Bagels before security that will do for a continental breakfast. The post security options in B & C are fine for counter service food. There are tables for the fast food establishments. Every fast food establishment beyond security serves some breakfast items. Don't forget you can always throw a few breakfast snacky items in yoru carryon as long as they aren't liquid. Options include Pop Tarts, granola bars, cheese sticks, portable single serve cereal bowls and then you can buy milk post security.

Your other option is to make ham and cheese biscuits/english muffins the night before, wrap in aluminum foil then throw them in the oven as soon as you get up. Bring hot sandwiches for the car trip to the airport.

No, that would be the Daily lot that charges $20 per day, the off-site, but airport owned Economy Lot is $12 per day.

http://www.metwashairports.com/reagan/227.htm

 

[singleinthe city]

No, that would be the Daily lot that charges $20 per day, the off-site, but airport owned Economy Lot is $12 per day.

http://www.metwashairports.com/reagan/227.htm

Never knew that even existed! I live in North Arlington and rarely park at the airport. It is a $17 cab ride so unless I am only going up to NYC for a day meeting it is cheaper for me to cab it both ways. I also only do the onsite parking if it is raining cats and dogs and all my neighbors decide to take cabs to work making cabs impossible to find in the morning.

Even still that economy lot only has 663 spots which seems REALLY small considering the daily garages have over 3,000 spots and it always seems full so I would never depend on that lot being always available.

 

[uva185]

Even still that economy lot only has 663 spots which seems REALLY small considering the daily garages have over 3,000 spots and it always seems full so I would never depend on that lot being always available.

Agreed! I have never seen the Daily Lot full but have seen the Economy lot full numerous times (based on the electronic signs at the airport).

I WISH I was close enough to DCA to get a $17 cab ride, its more like $50 each way with tip for me so I usually just drive. Curbside valet was cheaper in Charlotte than the daily lot at DCA. I really miss that!

 

[jsilvers]

Even still that economy lot only has 663 spots

The economy lot has 2442 spots. (If you saw a 663 figure on the website, that was probably the number of available spots in the economy lot at that very moment.)

 

[Native NYer]

DCA is such an easy airport. We use DCA whenever we fly with my nephews, who live in Maryland. It's so easy to navigate. Getting through security is quick as well. There are some places to eat after security.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

DCA is so much easier than IAD. I would rather cut off my leg rather than have to go thru IAD.

Ditto.

My family (myself, wife, daughter-3.5, and son-6 months) have flown twice in the past six weeks...once out of IAD once out of DCA.

IAD has become a bit of a nightmare for families with strollers. Starting from the parking lot, we had to take ELEVEN elevators to get to our gate. The new underground tram system makes you get off at several mezzanine levels, plus security on its own level.

DCA is a dream by comparison: one elevator from ticketing level to the gate level.

 

[DCTooTall]

Looks like most of the questions about the airport have been answered already.


The Biggest things I can think of from my recent trip that might be worth mentioning..... (Note that I flew Delta which has a relatively small DCA presence).


Unlike most other airports that I've flown out of, When you do your bag check/drop off, You then have to walk the bag over to the TSA screeners. The walk isn't far (pretty much was at the end of the agent counter), but if you have a lot of bags and little ones to look after, it could be an issue since you'll have to worry about moving the bags yourself another short ways after getting them checked/weighed.

I had an EARLY flight (6:59am departure on a saturday). At that time of morning, most of the restaurants inside security were not yet open by the time I boarded my flight. The newstand however was, so I was able to grab some munchies and a drink.

Security was pretty quick and painless.

Economy parking wasn't too painful to deal with. The biggest thing might be to make sure you remember which bus stop you boarded at, and where you parked. The spaces didn't really have any easy numbering which I saw (at least pre-sunrise), and there were several people on my return who seemed to forget exactly where they parked. It's a big lot, so it could be difficult if you don't notate landmarks or something to help you find your vehicle on your return.

The Economy parking buses are a bit on the smaller side. My ride back to my vehicle was on a packed standing room only bus, and some people had an interesting time digging their bags back out when they went ot get off. Depending upon your party size or the number of bags you have, it may actually be easier for you to leave someone with your bags back at the terminal and then grab your car and come back to pick up your bags and party. DCA is compact enough that you aren't really going very far out of your way to swing back by the terminal on your way out.

All in all, it was a very pleasant experience at the airport. It's small enough to avoid a lot of the headaches I've experienced at larger airports, yet still enough of a major airport to have many of the perks of the larger airports.


The only 2 things I'll mention that might be extra things to consider.

My departing flight was delayed about 15min pulling out of the gate after we were ready. This was due in small part due to the flight being loaded and ready to go earlier than scheduled, and in part because since the airport only has 1 runway, they were in the middle of "flipping" the airport due to the wind directions.

National can have a very interesting approach and/or takeoff because of the proximity of the capital. The flight lane to the south of the airport is pretty straightforward and 'boring' and pretty much follows the potomac river. The Northern lane however involves some pretty drastic turns and altitude changes due to the mall and other government facilities being so close to the northern end of the runway. If you have a nervous flyer with you, this might be something worth considering.

Also... on our return flight, we were told that noone was allowed to be up and about for the entire hour prior to our landing. (vs maybe 30min or so for the decent on a regular flight). This was due, again, to the proximity of the airport to many sensative locations. again, this isn't that big a deal for most people.... but it did result in a last minute line for the bathroom that got pretty long, and it might be something worth considering if you have kids.

 

[TDC Nala]

DCA is the easiest of the 3 airports in the area. However, I may think that because I take public transportation and it's much easier to get to and from there than the other two. Therefore I can't compare parking. I don't usually check luggage so I can't compare them that way.

I think Dulles is easier to get through security and get through the airport to the gate since they've put the train in (I don't have kids, no wheelchairs and no strollers). If you are in the old terminal at DCA you have a long walk from the main terminal. You can take a bus shuttle also if you have time.

Also... on our return flight, we were told that noone was allowed to be up and about for the entire hour prior to our landing.

This was discontinued a couple of years ago. I have not heard that announcement in a long time. Not sure how long ago your flight was but I was not aware that any airlines were doing it, and I have flown four different airlines into DCA in the past year. I flew in yesterday on Delta from Orlando and this announcement was not made. And when it was done after 9/11, it was a half hour, not a whole hour. Not sure why they would have been telling you an hour unless it was weather or turbulence related, or due to sensitive traffic in the area. It is certainly not done all the time anymore.

 

[DCTooTall]

This was discontinued a couple of years ago. I have not heard that announcement in a long time. Not sure how long ago your flight was but I was not aware that any airlines were doing it, and I have flown four different airlines into DCA in the past year. I flew in yesterday on Delta from Orlando and this announcement was not made. And when it was done after 9/11, it was a half hour, not a whole hour. Not sure why they would have been telling you an hour unless it was weather or turbulence related, or due to sensitive traffic in the area. It is certainly not done all the time anymore.

my flight was a late flight back on March 12th of this year on Delta coming back from Orlando (10:50 scheduled arrival). It could've been something to do with the sensitive traffic in the area.... or maybe since it was a late flight they didn't have some of the other "precautions" in the area so they fell back to the old standard.... Or for all i know, the flight crew didn't want to have to deal with people so they decided to use the old security excuse to give themselves a break.

 

[TDC Nala]

my flight was a late flight back on March 12th of this year on Delta coming back from Orlando (10:50 scheduled arrival). It could've been something to do with the sensitive traffic in the area.... or maybe since it was a late flight they didn't have some of the other "precautions" in the area so they fell back to the old standard.... Or for all i know, the flight crew didn't want to have to deal with people so they decided to use the old security excuse to give themselves a break.

I was on Airtran in February landing around 11 PM and Delta on Sunday landing around 10 PM. No announcement like that on either flight. I am pretty sure this is no longer standard procedure.

 

[DCTooTall]

I was on Airtran in February landing around 11 PM and Delta on Sunday landing around 10 PM. No announcement like that on either flight. I am pretty sure this is no longer standard procedure.

Well, good to know.

That flight was my only flight out of DCA so far, so I'll happily defer to those with more DCA experience than I.


Makes me almost wonder though now why they gave the anouncement. Was something going on? or did they just not want to deal with people up and about.

 

[uva185]

Well, good to know.

That flight was my only flight out of DCA so far, so I'll happily defer to those with more DCA experience than I.


Makes me almost wonder though now why they gave the anouncement. Was something going on? or did they just not want to deal with people up and about.

There is no "stay seated" rule out/in of DCA anymore. I believe it was abolished in 2005 and even then it was 30 minutes, not 1 hour.

I still hear the announcement from time to time but it is rare. It's always from US Airways "West" crews. It really angers me, I assume it is from a lack of training, not laziness.

 

[allaboutthemouse]

Just wanted to bump this thread b/c it is two years old...any changes? Trying to decide whether to go out of familiar BWI, or save overall (after parking and cheaper flights) $50 and go out of DCA. It is 30 minutes further to drive to DCA than BWI for us, too. Is the traffic crazy and congested around DCA, or easy to navigate? Does economy parking ever get full? Checking online right now there are about 300 spaces left Trip would be end of July, if that makes a difference. TIA

 

[PlutoPony]

Just wanted to bump this thread b/c it is two years old...any changes? Trying to decide whether to go out of familiar BWI, or save overall (after parking and cheaper flights) $50 and go out of DCA. It is 30 minutes further to drive to DCA than BWI for us, too. Is the traffic crazy and congested around DCA, or easy to navigate? Does economy parking ever get full? Checking online right now there are about 300 spaces left Trip would be end of July, if that makes a difference. TIA

It will depend on when you are flying and how much you like to drive in traffic. If you're coming or going during rush hour, you'll likely have very heavy traffic from BWI down to National, which means you'll want to give yourself plenty of time - at least an additional hour - in case there are slowdowns (which is almost a given). If you're flying on the weekend it's not as bad and pretty well marked. I know that the economy lot gets full around holidays, not sure about other times. Hopefully someone else can chime in with that info

For $50 no way would I do it but I live here and try to avoid rush hour driving into DC whenever I can. YMMV

 

[SteveMouse]

Much better off flying out of BWI than DCA if you need to park. If, by some chance,parking is full at DCA your options are EXTREMELY limited. You also need to plan for unexpected traffic.

 

[maurene]

I like DCA. Because its smaller, I find a few things about it very convenient. I don't think the parking fills up all too often, but I'm not totally sure about that. (I've had problems with IAD filling up and then having to use the overflow parking.)

But, if all you're going to save is $50 total (not per person), then I don't think the added driving time is worth the savings. The extra 30 min. drive time could easily stretch to an extra hour - one way.