Hey,

So two weeks ago I had my first experience using Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). On all my other trips to DC, I have always used Washington Dulles (IAD).

Never again will question using DCA when my actual reason of flying to DC is to be in DC. IAD is great for connections, but if you're actually staying in DC, it's so much easier. All I can say is that it was a $15 cab ride and was in the cab at the airport and to my hotel near the White House in 10 minutes flat.

From Oakland, on UA I'd say connect through DEN (fewer weather problems than ORD). I just did mine on US from Burbank to Phoenix to DCA with no problems.

If you're using IAD to transit to a European flight, that's greaet, but Dulles is 45 minutes (with no traffic) and an expensive cab ride/shuttle out of Washington DC...and that's just a huge pain to deal with.