Originally Posted by johnep1
DCA is the first choice.
If you won't have a car, BWI is better than IAD because the MARC train runs from BWI to Union Station in DC. No public transportation goes from DC to IAD.
If you will have a car, IAD is probably better since it's closer to DC than BWI.
As mentioned in the previous post, the 5A Metrobus goes from the L'Enfant Plaza area (SW) of DC to IAD (and also stops at Rosslyn Metro in VA along the way). Only 3 bucks...takes just under an hour.
As for airline, my vote would go for NW. Once you reach Platinum, you'll be up front quite often (although it can be more difficult if you choose DCA).