Originally Posted by
FWAAA
I understand the convenience of LGA and DCA, and the monumental task required over hill and dale to get to JFK or IAD from the cities, respectively, but is it all that common?
Yes.
And, I wouldn't use the term 'monumental' to get to IAD, but yes. I live within walking distance (and is the only way I get to the airport, even in rain) to DCA, and I would rather fly from there, even on award tickets (no miles to be gained) than trekking out to IAD.
In addition to having it more predictable at DCA than IAD, there are some flights where you'd have to connect anyway, such as going to most places in Asia and smaller cities in Europe or specific routes.
There have been many instances of this for me, but I remember on a cold, snowy (in ORD) day after Christmas, my wife and I left DCA for ORD en route to Switzerland, where weather could have been a factor...but it was still better than traveling to IAD.
-jeremy