IMHO, the important thing about DCA's name change is the way Congress forced it down our throats. For such a bunch of whiners about "states' rights," the current bunch of hypocrites seem to have no problems imposing their will over the wishes of DC locals.

Matt, my pilot friends say that DCA is not an easy airport, but implying that you're taking your life into your hands every time you land or take off is a bit much. I don't recall an accident there since Air Florida. Especially since DCA is easily accessible by Metro, whereas to get to IAD from anywhere except Fairfax County involves an extended trip on the Beltway, I-66 and/or the Dulles Access Road. Talk about dangerous!

And in terms of convenience, DCA wins hands down. One morning around X-mas in the middle of the bad weather, EasySabre said my AA flight out of DCA was cancelled. I was on hold with AA for 2 hours waiting to reschedule. When they picked up, it turned out that my flight, which was due to depart in less than an hour, was not cancelled after all. I dressed, got to DCA and checked in with time to spare. Try that at IAD -- it takes that long just to take the stupid bus to the mid-field terminal.

Charlie