- Better u/g potential? Tied, both are good
Since the OP is SE, I have to differ with this opinion. I always have an easier time UG'ing from IAD than DCA - I believe there are many, many more PE's flying from DCA (consultant, lobbyist, pol shuttles) than from IAD on a given day. In this Gold's experience I have rarely not been UG'ed on the typical, business-heavy Sun PM, Mon, Thurs PM, and Fri DTW-IAD-DTW flights. However, my times into and out of DCA have almost always, with rare exception, been in Y.
Then again, with little over an hour enroute, I would pick airport location and convenience over a possible elite UG any day.