Yes, the Washington Flyer cab monopoly at IAD is frustrating. Prices are high and, notwithstanding the long line of Washington Flyer cabs waiting for fares on the entrance road, there's often too much of a delay in the dispatchers getting cabs to customers at the designated spots on the arrivals level.

Maybe I've just been lucky, but like GoingAway, it's been a very long time since I've had a cab that smells smoky or a cab driver who pouts when I inform him (I don't remember the last female cabby I had at IAD) that I'll be paying by credit card. Granted, as yesterday, I usually come out the door nearest the Int'l Arrivals Building and upon entry state that I'll be paying by credit card unless they'd prefer to be paid in Swedish krona or Japanese yen or the like.

One positive thing I will say about the Washington Flyer cabs is that they're generally in reasonable condition and the drivers are usually willing to adjust the climate controls at my request.