[this should probably be merged with some existing thread(?)]
I flew on FRI, 4/8 LGA to DCA at 6:00 AM
(1)Security for terminal C (Delta + AA(USAirways)) at 4:30 AM; TSA pre-check was efficient^
(2)AC opens at 5:00 AM (not far from) gate 31-32, the departure gates for LGA-DCA
(3)GAs arrived at 5:15 AM, boarding commenced at 5:30 AM, push-back at 6:00 AM [NO weather delays...we were in the air shortly afterwards.]
(4)At DCA the gates are under control of a private contractor...about 8 minute wait for one of their agents to arrive.
On my return on Monday 4/11, on exiting the terminal I passed by 31-32 area; I heard the GA announce (re LGA-DCA 11AM departure): "we are waiting for a missing crew member...who is arriving from (somewhere)...hence a delay"
In DCA many connections require using a shuttle bus...allow time for this, if you are connecting.
[Delta's LGA-BOS shuttle departs from gates near 31-32. curtesy of DL(?), there is a magazine rack with lots of FREE magazines and newspapers (WSJ, IBD)...can keep you occupied if your AA flt is delayed.