Nov 17, 2013, 8:55 am
Last edit by: Prospero
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
Check-in times as of March 2016 Link
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States
For nonstop American Airlines Shuttle flights from DCA to BOS or LGA, you can check-in up to 20 minutes before departure without checked baggage and 30 minutes with checked baggage.[/QUOTE]
Wait, what's the name of this airport?
In 1998, an act of Congress renamed DCA from Washington National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Apart from costing the taxpayers millions of dollars in changing signage around town, the renaming upset left-leaning locals and traditionalists. Old-school locals will refer to the airport as "National" or "Washington National," some vehemently so. "Reagan National" has slipped into local parlance, sometimes as a political statement, sometimes as a slip of the tongue. You can avoid the politics if you just call it DCA, which is a surprisingly mainstream way of referring to it.
DCA is a very compact airport. Gates are numbered south to north. Terminal 1 is the historic terminal (1941) and its gates (A1-A9) are served by Air Canada, Southwest, and Frontier. Terminal 2, the "new" terminal (1997), is divided into the following four piers, from south to north:
Terminal 2 has three passenger accessible levels. A drop-off/departures level on the top floor, where taxis and other vehicles drop passengers and the main check-in counters are located; the concourse level in the middle, with all security screening and some secondary check-in/bag drop counters, with access to parking garages and the Metro (subway) system entrance; and a baggage/arrivals level on the bottom, where baggage claim is located along with taxi stands, bus pickups, and other passenger pickup.American Airlines at DCA
AA operates a hub at DCA. Constrained by the perimeter rule, capacity controls, and airport facility constraints, AA is nonetheless able to offer nonstop service to most destinations of consequence within 1250 miles of DCA. Beyond the 1250-mile perimeter, AA has perimeter slot exemptions to provide three daily nonstops to PHX, two daily nonstops to LAX and one to LAS.
Ticketing and Check-in
The general AA ticketing/check-in counters are on the upper level (same level as departures/drop-off) in Terminal 2. If you are not checking bags and do not need to see a desk agent, there are several kiosks opposite the ticket counters. If you arrive via Metro or park in North Parking, there are AA kiosks and staffed check-in/bag drop counters to the left just as you enter the airport from the walkway.
Curbside check-in is available for a fee.
AA Gates
Effective November 9, 2021, the entire National Hall (running north/south and connecting Concourses B through E) is all airside. As a result, it is now possible to walk between piers in Terminal 2 without the need to exit/re-clear security.
Connections to carriers in Terminal 1 (Frontier, Air Canada, Southwest) require exiting security. From the time one leaves Concourse E to the time one arrives at security for Terminal A should be no more than a brisk 12-minute walk entirely indoors. There is also an airport shuttle bus that runs around the airport, stopping at each terminal and at the rental car garage, but it probably takes just as long as walking.
Security at DCA
Although security wait times can vary depending on time/day, the screening process usually proceeds very swiftly at DCA. Effective November 9, 2021, security for Terminal 2 is handled by two new screening areas built over the roadway between the parking garage and the terminal building. Passengers flying out of gates B10 through E59 may use either screening facility, although the north area is closer to gates D35 through E59. AA gates in the old center pier, now known as Concourse C, are equidistant to the two screening areas.
DCA Lounges
AA Admirals clubs are located
Food
"Are they serving fries on this flight?" No. But your FA is using the ovens to keep warm the lunch s/he managed to grab at Five Guys.
Options for food are limited, but reasonably good.
On Concourse D:
Five Guys Burgers and Fries (a Northern Virginia homegrown favorite--wait times can be long at peak hours)
Hudson News
Kapnos Taverna (Greek)
Wow Bao (pan-Asian buns)
Washington Pour Bar
Dunkin' Donuts
Say Si Bon!
Georgetown Gourmet Market
&pizza (custom thin-crust pizza)
American Tap Room
On Concourse C:
Smashburger
Lebanese Taverna
U Street Pub
Magic Pan
Dunkin' Donuts
Say Si Bon!
El Centro D.F. (Mexican)
Taylor Gourmet (hoagies)
Big Bowl (pan-Asian stir-fries)
Forbes News
There are many airside food and shopping options in National Hall, from sushi to Spanx to Smithsonian souvenirs. Here's a map of the dining and retail options, pre and post security.
Baggage Claim
The baggage area at DCA is one level below the arrivals/gate level. Take the escalators/stairs/elevators directly ahead (across National Hall) leading to the lower level, where you will exit the secure/airside area. Monitors at the base of the escalators display carousel information for individual flights (but see caveat below).
AA baggage arrives on carousels 10-12. Pay attention to the monitors at individual carousels, as US often delivers bags on a different carousel from the one displayed on the monitors near the escalators from arrivals.
International Flights
DCA does not have customs and immigration, however pre-clearance international flights do land here. For example AA operates flights to BDA and NAS.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Travelex Currency Service is located in National Hall.
Baggage Carts
Smartecarte baggage carts are available throughout the terminals, parking garages, and at the Metrorail station. The SmarteCarte kiosks accept coins, $1 and $5 bills.
Passenger Assistance
Electric cart service for transporting passengers between gates is not available at DCA. Contact US to make arrangements for wheel chair assistance, if necessary.
Your 3-hour Connection at DCA
Step down the hall that connects Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. This passageway typically houses a small selection of area and aviation exhibits. Speaking of history, the airport was built next to George Washington's granddaughter's home, the ruins of which are on a knoll between the parking garages.
Terminal 1 has limited amenities but does have some nice views of the runways before you reach the security checkpoint; there is a Starbucks and some rocking chairs close to the prime takeoff viewing!
If you need more shopping opportunities, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is 7-10 minutes away (door to door) by Metro or cab.
Parking at DCA
Daily garages, when not full, are very convenient at DCA. If spaces are available, you can avoid the elevator by parking on garage level 2. Off-site Economy is also available, and not too far flung. See the airport website for more information.
Ground Transportation Departing DCA
Taxi service is readily available. If you have not traveled to DC in a while, you will be pleased to know that DC taxis have eliminated the zone fare system in favor of a metered fare, and now accept credit cards. From DCA to most points in downtown DC you can expect a fare of $15 to $20, depending on baggage and number of passengers.
DCA is also served by Metro, Washington's subway system. The Metro station is connected to Terminal 2 by walkway on the concourse level. DCA is served by the Yellow and Blue Line trains. Access to the station is by faregate rather than turnstile, which means that rollaboards are easily managed. Wheelchair-accessible gates are readily available and useful for larger luggage. Trains can be very crowded during peak times (so a family of four with luggage will be much better off in a cab). Travel time into downtown varies depending on destination and wait times, but averages 15 to 20 minutes.
Fares depend on distance and time of day. A SmarTrip plastic farecard is required for each traveler. The card itself costs $2 and can be purchased at vending machines just inside the station.
For more detailed information on trip durations and applicable fares, see the interactive Metro Trip Planner.
Getting to Union Station (Amtrak and MARC train to BWI, various intercity bus services)
By Metro - see map
Take a Yellow line train toward Fort Totten (or Mt. Vernon Square, or Greenbelt). Exit this train at Gallery Place/Chinatown and transfer to the Red Line train in the direction of Glenmont. This train will take you directly to Union Station. The fare for this trip is $2.85 (peak/rush hour) and $2.45 (off-peak) on weekdays and a flat $2.00 on weekends.
Estimated trip time varies; weekday midday estimate is 24 minutes but less frequent service and regular maintenance/track work on the weekends and late evenings can extend the time by an hour.
By Taxi
Estimated taxi fare during non-rush hour travel is about $17-18 (before tip), which may be worth it on weekends or if facing a deadline at Union Station.
To continue on to BWI
This map outlines DCA-BWI-IAD transit options, including:
Take Metro Yellow line train in the direction of Mt. Vernon Square, Ft. Totten, or Greenbelt; if your train's final destination isn't Greenbelt, exit at Archives station and transfer to the Green line in the direction of Greenbelt (on the same platform). Take this train to the end of the line. Connect to the B30 bus to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Service runs every hour during weekdays.
Bus fare is $7.50 and the trip should take about 40 minutes. Metro fare is $3.85/$5.90 peak and $2.00 on weekends.
Useful links:
http://wmata.com (Metro)
http://mta.maryland.gov/services/mar...mMaps/penn.cfm (MARC train Penn line)
http://amtrak.com (Amtrak)
General note about Metro: not all trains service the final stop on a given line. Greenbelt is the end of the Green line and some Yellow line trains, so you must take a train specifically to Greenbelt to reach that station. However, Silver Spring is not the terminus of the Red Line train; to reach Union Station your train may actually terminate in Glenmont. Check the Metro system maps to confirm your options.
Connecting to IAD
Taxi
Taxi fare will run upwards of $45 (as high as $80 in rush hour/stalled traffic) so public transport is the more affordable option, although the journey can be long.
The reverse journey (IAD to DCA) can be even more expensive, due to the rules on which taxis are allowed to pick up at IAD and the fares they are permitted to charge.
Public Transport - see MWAA's page
Take Metro's Blue Line toward Largo; at Rosslyn, transfer to the Silver Line in the direction of Ashburn. Or, take Metro's Yellow Line service toward Fort Totten; at L'Enfant Plaza, transfer to the Silver Line in the direction of Ashburn.
Estimated trip time: 80-90 minutes
Estimated cost: fares range from as low as $2.00 on weekends (flat rate) to as high as $6.00 during the weekday "rush" periods.
Getting to DCA via Metro
Take the Yellow or Blue Line to the airport station. Note that there are two walkways/skybridges connecting the Metro station to Terminal 2, one at each end of the Metro platform. The north skybridge is closer to Concourses C & D and the AA check-in counter, and the two walkways are equidistant to Concourse C, so travelers arriving on trains from the center city should plan to be at (or walk toward) the rear of the train upon arrival.
Walking or biking
If you're feeling energetic, there are signed walking & cycling routes to DCA from Crystal City and the Mount Vernon Trail, which connects D.C. to Alexandria. As a bonus, the trail passes through Gravelly Point Park, right below the flight paths. Bicycle racks are available within the garage, on the ground floor near the C walkway.
Rental cars
The on-airport car rental center is in the south parking garage, roughly across from Concourse B. Walk across the Concourse B bridge from the terminal to the garage (next to Cibo Bistro), turn left, and follow the signs. There's also a shuttle bus from the arrivals level.
Note: Advantage and Dollar are located off-airport and run shuttles via the arrivals level roadway.
The River Visual
The flight approaches to DCA fly over the Potomac River, in order to avoid noise impacts over the city and to avoid flights over “P-56″ (aka the Monumental Core). If winds are from the south/east, flights will land from the north and take off to the south. Planes are closer to the ground during landing than during take-off, so if you have this landing you’ll be treated to fantastic views of central D.C. (on the left side) and Arlington (on the right side) in the last few minutes of flight. YouTube has a selection of good cockpit-view videos.
If winds are from the north/west, flights will take off to the north and land from the south (i.e., "Mount Vernon Visual," with views of George Washington's house and Alexandria from the left side of the plane).
Acknowledgments
The bulk of this wiki was originally created by user DCAorBust, with substantial help from dcpatti. See post #1 in the thread for the pre-wiki version.
Check-in times as of March 2016 Link
In most locations, you must be checked in:
At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights within the United States
At least 60 minutes before scheduled departure, for flights to or from airports outside of the United States
For nonstop American Airlines Shuttle flights from DCA to BOS or LGA, you can check-in up to 20 minutes before departure without checked baggage and 30 minutes with checked baggage.[/QUOTE]
Wait, what's the name of this airport?
In 1998, an act of Congress renamed DCA from Washington National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Apart from costing the taxpayers millions of dollars in changing signage around town, the renaming upset left-leaning locals and traditionalists. Old-school locals will refer to the airport as "National" or "Washington National," some vehemently so. "Reagan National" has slipped into local parlance, sometimes as a political statement, sometimes as a slip of the tongue. You can avoid the politics if you just call it DCA, which is a surprisingly mainstream way of referring to it.
DCA is a very compact airport. Gates are numbered south to north. Terminal 1 is the historic terminal (1941) and its gates (A1-A9) are served by Air Canada, Southwest, and Frontier. Terminal 2, the "new" terminal (1997), is divided into the following four piers, from south to north:
- Concourse B, gates B10-B22 (Alaska, Delta, United)
- Concourse C, gates C23-C34 (American, JetBlue)
- Concourse D, gates D35-D45 (American)
- Concourse E, gates E46-E-59 (American); this is the newest pier (opened 2021)
Terminal 2 has three passenger accessible levels. A drop-off/departures level on the top floor, where taxis and other vehicles drop passengers and the main check-in counters are located; the concourse level in the middle, with all security screening and some secondary check-in/bag drop counters, with access to parking garages and the Metro (subway) system entrance; and a baggage/arrivals level on the bottom, where baggage claim is located along with taxi stands, bus pickups, and other passenger pickup.American Airlines at DCA
AA operates a hub at DCA. Constrained by the perimeter rule, capacity controls, and airport facility constraints, AA is nonetheless able to offer nonstop service to most destinations of consequence within 1250 miles of DCA. Beyond the 1250-mile perimeter, AA has perimeter slot exemptions to provide three daily nonstops to PHX, two daily nonstops to LAX and one to LAS.
Ticketing and Check-in
The general AA ticketing/check-in counters are on the upper level (same level as departures/drop-off) in Terminal 2. If you are not checking bags and do not need to see a desk agent, there are several kiosks opposite the ticket counters. If you arrive via Metro or park in North Parking, there are AA kiosks and staffed check-in/bag drop counters to the left just as you enter the airport from the walkway.
Curbside check-in is available for a fee.
AA Gates
- AA occupies all gates in the two north concourses (gates D35-D45 and gates E46-E59)
- American Eagle regional jet and turboprop flights formerly operated from Gate 35X (previously known as 35A). Gate 35X was a combined gate: when flights are called to board, passengers descend the escalator to queue for a shuttle bus transport to the aircraft at a remote stand. The new north pier, Concourse E, has now replaced 35X.
- AA occupies gates C23, C25, C27, C29, and C31-C34 in Concourse C,
- AA Shuttle flights to BOS/LGA depart from gates C29, C31, and C33 in Concourse C.
Effective November 9, 2021, the entire National Hall (running north/south and connecting Concourses B through E) is all airside. As a result, it is now possible to walk between piers in Terminal 2 without the need to exit/re-clear security.
Connections to carriers in Terminal 1 (Frontier, Air Canada, Southwest) require exiting security. From the time one leaves Concourse E to the time one arrives at security for Terminal A should be no more than a brisk 12-minute walk entirely indoors. There is also an airport shuttle bus that runs around the airport, stopping at each terminal and at the rental car garage, but it probably takes just as long as walking.
Security at DCA
Although security wait times can vary depending on time/day, the screening process usually proceeds very swiftly at DCA. Effective November 9, 2021, security for Terminal 2 is handled by two new screening areas built over the roadway between the parking garage and the terminal building. Passengers flying out of gates B10 through E59 may use either screening facility, although the north area is closer to gates D35 through E59. AA gates in the old center pier, now known as Concourse C, are equidistant to the two screening areas.
DCA Lounges
AA Admirals clubs are located
- near gates C24 and D36, accessed via stairs or elevator immediately past National Hall, and
- upstairs near gate E46, a short ride down the moving walkways from National Hall.
Food
"Are they serving fries on this flight?" No. But your FA is using the ovens to keep warm the lunch s/he managed to grab at Five Guys.
Options for food are limited, but reasonably good.
On Concourse D:
Five Guys Burgers and Fries (a Northern Virginia homegrown favorite--wait times can be long at peak hours)
Hudson News
Kapnos Taverna (Greek)
Wow Bao (pan-Asian buns)
Washington Pour Bar
Dunkin' Donuts
Say Si Bon!
Georgetown Gourmet Market
&pizza (custom thin-crust pizza)
American Tap Room
On Concourse C:
Smashburger
Lebanese Taverna
U Street Pub
Magic Pan
Dunkin' Donuts
Say Si Bon!
El Centro D.F. (Mexican)
Taylor Gourmet (hoagies)
Big Bowl (pan-Asian stir-fries)
Forbes News
There are many airside food and shopping options in National Hall, from sushi to Spanx to Smithsonian souvenirs. Here's a map of the dining and retail options, pre and post security.
Baggage Claim
The baggage area at DCA is one level below the arrivals/gate level. Take the escalators/stairs/elevators directly ahead (across National Hall) leading to the lower level, where you will exit the secure/airside area. Monitors at the base of the escalators display carousel information for individual flights (but see caveat below).
AA baggage arrives on carousels 10-12. Pay attention to the monitors at individual carousels, as US often delivers bags on a different carousel from the one displayed on the monitors near the escalators from arrivals.
International Flights
DCA does not have customs and immigration, however pre-clearance international flights do land here. For example AA operates flights to BDA and NAS.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Travelex Currency Service is located in National Hall.
Baggage Carts
Smartecarte baggage carts are available throughout the terminals, parking garages, and at the Metrorail station. The SmarteCarte kiosks accept coins, $1 and $5 bills.
Passenger Assistance
Electric cart service for transporting passengers between gates is not available at DCA. Contact US to make arrangements for wheel chair assistance, if necessary.
Your 3-hour Connection at DCA
Step down the hall that connects Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. This passageway typically houses a small selection of area and aviation exhibits. Speaking of history, the airport was built next to George Washington's granddaughter's home, the ruins of which are on a knoll between the parking garages.
Terminal 1 has limited amenities but does have some nice views of the runways before you reach the security checkpoint; there is a Starbucks and some rocking chairs close to the prime takeoff viewing!
If you need more shopping opportunities, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is 7-10 minutes away (door to door) by Metro or cab.
Parking at DCA
Daily garages, when not full, are very convenient at DCA. If spaces are available, you can avoid the elevator by parking on garage level 2. Off-site Economy is also available, and not too far flung. See the airport website for more information.
Ground Transportation Departing DCA
Taxi service is readily available. If you have not traveled to DC in a while, you will be pleased to know that DC taxis have eliminated the zone fare system in favor of a metered fare, and now accept credit cards. From DCA to most points in downtown DC you can expect a fare of $15 to $20, depending on baggage and number of passengers.
DCA is also served by Metro, Washington's subway system. The Metro station is connected to Terminal 2 by walkway on the concourse level. DCA is served by the Yellow and Blue Line trains. Access to the station is by faregate rather than turnstile, which means that rollaboards are easily managed. Wheelchair-accessible gates are readily available and useful for larger luggage. Trains can be very crowded during peak times (so a family of four with luggage will be much better off in a cab). Travel time into downtown varies depending on destination and wait times, but averages 15 to 20 minutes.
Fares depend on distance and time of day. A SmarTrip plastic farecard is required for each traveler. The card itself costs $2 and can be purchased at vending machines just inside the station.
For more detailed information on trip durations and applicable fares, see the interactive Metro Trip Planner.
Getting to Union Station (Amtrak and MARC train to BWI, various intercity bus services)
By Metro - see map
Take a Yellow line train toward Fort Totten (or Mt. Vernon Square, or Greenbelt). Exit this train at Gallery Place/Chinatown and transfer to the Red Line train in the direction of Glenmont. This train will take you directly to Union Station. The fare for this trip is $2.85 (peak/rush hour) and $2.45 (off-peak) on weekdays and a flat $2.00 on weekends.
Estimated trip time varies; weekday midday estimate is 24 minutes but less frequent service and regular maintenance/track work on the weekends and late evenings can extend the time by an hour.
By Taxi
Estimated taxi fare during non-rush hour travel is about $17-18 (before tip), which may be worth it on weekends or if facing a deadline at Union Station.
To continue on to BWI
This map outlines DCA-BWI-IAD transit options, including:
- Amtrak direct service (price varies from as low as $11 with advance purchase)
- MARC (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) Penn Line, $8 each way
Take Metro Yellow line train in the direction of Mt. Vernon Square, Ft. Totten, or Greenbelt; if your train's final destination isn't Greenbelt, exit at Archives station and transfer to the Green line in the direction of Greenbelt (on the same platform). Take this train to the end of the line. Connect to the B30 bus to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Service runs every hour during weekdays.
Bus fare is $7.50 and the trip should take about 40 minutes. Metro fare is $3.85/$5.90 peak and $2.00 on weekends.
Useful links:
http://wmata.com (Metro)
http://mta.maryland.gov/services/mar...mMaps/penn.cfm (MARC train Penn line)
http://amtrak.com (Amtrak)
General note about Metro: not all trains service the final stop on a given line. Greenbelt is the end of the Green line and some Yellow line trains, so you must take a train specifically to Greenbelt to reach that station. However, Silver Spring is not the terminus of the Red Line train; to reach Union Station your train may actually terminate in Glenmont. Check the Metro system maps to confirm your options.
Connecting to IAD
Taxi
Taxi fare will run upwards of $45 (as high as $80 in rush hour/stalled traffic) so public transport is the more affordable option, although the journey can be long.
The reverse journey (IAD to DCA) can be even more expensive, due to the rules on which taxis are allowed to pick up at IAD and the fares they are permitted to charge.
Public Transport - see MWAA's page
Take Metro's Blue Line toward Largo; at Rosslyn, transfer to the Silver Line in the direction of Ashburn. Or, take Metro's Yellow Line service toward Fort Totten; at L'Enfant Plaza, transfer to the Silver Line in the direction of Ashburn.
Estimated trip time: 80-90 minutes
Estimated cost: fares range from as low as $2.00 on weekends (flat rate) to as high as $6.00 during the weekday "rush" periods.
Getting to DCA via Metro
Take the Yellow or Blue Line to the airport station. Note that there are two walkways/skybridges connecting the Metro station to Terminal 2, one at each end of the Metro platform. The north skybridge is closer to Concourses C & D and the AA check-in counter, and the two walkways are equidistant to Concourse C, so travelers arriving on trains from the center city should plan to be at (or walk toward) the rear of the train upon arrival.
Walking or biking
If you're feeling energetic, there are signed walking & cycling routes to DCA from Crystal City and the Mount Vernon Trail, which connects D.C. to Alexandria. As a bonus, the trail passes through Gravelly Point Park, right below the flight paths. Bicycle racks are available within the garage, on the ground floor near the C walkway.
Rental cars
The on-airport car rental center is in the south parking garage, roughly across from Concourse B. Walk across the Concourse B bridge from the terminal to the garage (next to Cibo Bistro), turn left, and follow the signs. There's also a shuttle bus from the arrivals level.
Note: Advantage and Dollar are located off-airport and run shuttles via the arrivals level roadway.
The River Visual
The flight approaches to DCA fly over the Potomac River, in order to avoid noise impacts over the city and to avoid flights over “P-56″ (aka the Monumental Core). If winds are from the south/east, flights will land from the north and take off to the south. Planes are closer to the ground during landing than during take-off, so if you have this landing you’ll be treated to fantastic views of central D.C. (on the left side) and Arlington (on the right side) in the last few minutes of flight. YouTube has a selection of good cockpit-view videos.
If winds are from the north/west, flights will take off to the north and land from the south (i.e., "Mount Vernon Visual," with views of George Washington's house and Alexandria from the left side of the plane).
Acknowledgments
The bulk of this wiki was originally created by user DCAorBust, with substantial help from dcpatti. See post #1 in the thread for the pre-wiki version.
AA Guide: DCA / Reagan Washington National Airport - MCT, Connection, etc.
Mar 29, 2011, 10:49 pm
#31
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat, SPG Plat, AMEX Plat, Hertz PC, Travels too Much Platinum
Posts: 3,290
Connecting through DCA to/from Republic E170/175 aircraft relatively routinely, I would say I wind up on the center pier maybe 20-25% of the time. I happens with regularity, but not a lot. They are using 4 center pier gates if I recall correctly, and they can use any mainline gate in the north pier but usually don't use the shuttle gates.
I would think they probably have either elevator access of some kind or escorted security reclearance for wheelchair passengers transiting between the two terminals. I know the elevator that goes up to the US club can also go down a level with an authorized airport ID badge.
I would think they probably have either elevator access of some kind or escorted security reclearance for wheelchair passengers transiting between the two terminals. I know the elevator that goes up to the US club can also go down a level with an authorized airport ID badge.
Mar 30, 2011, 8:40 am
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Washington DC
Programs: AA Plat
Posts: 1,304
Whenever a deal is struck. They're still in settlement talks with the government (and WN, which is an intervenor in the case). The most recent status report was filed yesterday. When putting the case into abeyance, the court ordered that status updates be made every 60 days, so unless a deal is reached with the government beforehand, I wouldn't expect to hear another word until the end of May.
Mar 30, 2011, 11:52 am
#34
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,295
Your post for getting to Union Station isn't entirely correct. It should say to take the red line towards Glenmont. While some trains do stop at Silver Spring, Glenmont is the end of the line, where the majority of trains go to, and what the signage in the station will say.
Also, you might want to add that the all-day fare pass is good on weekdays after 9:30, except for public holidays (except Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day) and weekends when it's good all day. That pass is now $9.
Also, you might want to add that the all-day fare pass is good on weekdays after 9:30, except for public holidays (except Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day) and weekends when it's good all day. That pass is now $9.
Mar 30, 2011, 1:13 pm
#35
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: The views I express here are not necessarily supported by any airline or codeshare partners, nor do I represent their views and/or opinions. They are my own OPINIONS dont like them dont read them.....
Posts: 1,462
If you need special assistance a wheelchair porter will take you through security and the rest of your party can use the shuttle service. Many times security is a lot faster than the shuttle. Republic does operate from the center pier but not exclusively. Mainline has been known to park Bermuda on the center to pier to have some breathing room on the North Pier.
Mar 30, 2011, 2:09 pm
#37
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DCA
Programs: AA PPro, Mariott Ambassador, B6 Mosaic, SBUX Gold, Best Buy Elite
Posts: 1,838
Mar 30, 2011, 2:49 pm
#38
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: US-CP, UA, Marriott Rewards, HHonors, Avis,
Posts: 4,549
If you have the time, the US club is a lot nicer than the RCC. the RCC gives free rail drinks but the overall atmosphere of the US club is more relaxing, more comfortable and I definitely prefer it.
Jul 18, 2011, 10:06 pm
#39
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SoCal
Programs: AA EP, OZ Diamond, WS Plat, Avis CHM, Hertz PC, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 910
Quick DCA help/questions
I'll be flying into the DC area two weeks from now and have a few logistical questions:
Will be arriving into BWI:
1. Best way of getting into downtown DC (two blocks from the White House)? From what I heard, MARC to Union Station and maybe a cab thereafter?
Flying out of DCA:
1. Best way of getting from White House to DCA?
2. How long does this take?
3. What terminal does US use (DCA-CLT-YYZ)?
4. Any priority security - I'm currently upgraded to F as well.
5. How much time to give for the 3:30 flight to leave downtown?
General Q's:
Instead, if doing one-way rental BWI-DCA, how is the Avis return process at DCA, quick and how far to the terminal? My biggest concern is tight time to get from downtown to DCA, last thing is to miss a flight due to car return.
Will be arriving into BWI:
1. Best way of getting into downtown DC (two blocks from the White House)? From what I heard, MARC to Union Station and maybe a cab thereafter?
Flying out of DCA:
1. Best way of getting from White House to DCA?
2. How long does this take?
3. What terminal does US use (DCA-CLT-YYZ)?
4. Any priority security - I'm currently upgraded to F as well.
5. How much time to give for the 3:30 flight to leave downtown?
General Q's:
Instead, if doing one-way rental BWI-DCA, how is the Avis return process at DCA, quick and how far to the terminal? My biggest concern is tight time to get from downtown to DCA, last thing is to miss a flight due to car return.
Jul 19, 2011, 5:48 am
#40
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DCA, SEA, AUS
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 260
I'll be flying into the DC area two weeks from now and have a few logistical questions:
Will be arriving into BWI:
1. Best way of getting into downtown DC (two blocks from the White House)? From what I heard, MARC to Union Station and maybe a cab thereafter?
Flying out of DCA:
1. Best way of getting from White House to DCA?
2. How long does this take?
3. What terminal does US use (DCA-CLT-YYZ)?
4. Any priority security - I'm currently upgraded to F as well.
5. How much time to give for the 3:30 flight to leave downtown?
General Q's:
Instead, if doing one-way rental BWI-DCA, how is the Avis return process at DCA, quick and how far to the terminal? My biggest concern is tight time to get from downtown to DCA, last thing is to miss a flight due to car return.
Will be arriving into BWI:
1. Best way of getting into downtown DC (two blocks from the White House)? From what I heard, MARC to Union Station and maybe a cab thereafter?
Flying out of DCA:
1. Best way of getting from White House to DCA?
2. How long does this take?
3. What terminal does US use (DCA-CLT-YYZ)?
4. Any priority security - I'm currently upgraded to F as well.
5. How much time to give for the 3:30 flight to leave downtown?
General Q's:
Instead, if doing one-way rental BWI-DCA, how is the Avis return process at DCA, quick and how far to the terminal? My biggest concern is tight time to get from downtown to DCA, last thing is to miss a flight due to car return.
1) "Best" is so subjective. If you mean cheapest: you can take MARC from the BWI Rail Station (you have to take a bus from baggage claim to the Amtrak/MARC station), take a MARC/Amtrak train to Washington Union Station (WAS is the code) and then take the DC Metro Red line in the direction of Shady Grove and get off at Farragut North which is pretty close the the White House. You could also cab from Union Station. I live just west of the White House and a cab to/from Union is usually less than $14 with tip.
To DCA:
1) From White House to DCA you can either take a cab to the airport which will probably be about $16 w/ tip or hop on the Franconia/Springfield bound Metro blue line toward Reagan airport. Your hotel will be able to tell you which station is closest: McPherson Square or Farragut West.
2) Time totally depends on time of day and traffic, especially if you decide to cab it. Unless I have a large suitcase, I take the Metro as it's usually on time. Check the trip planner at http://wmata.com.
3) US, with a few exceptions, flies out of Pier/Terminal C at DCA. Your cab will know where to drop you off (or look at signs right after you get off the Metro; you'll either go left or right).
4) Unfortunately the security checkpoint to the US gates do not have a priority security line but it's always moved fast for me.
Hope this helps.
Jul 19, 2011, 6:52 am
#41
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA - DCA
Programs: BA Gold, American Airlines, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 5,075
Note that the MARC trains do NOT run on weekends. Check the online schedule. It's a great service during the week but obviously no use on Sat/Sun.
As for renting a car, I'd skip it. Parking is a pain and very expensive. Once in DC it is very easy to get around using the Metro or a taxi. Taxis are cheap within DC itself; it's crossing the river to DCA (in Virginia) that increases the fare a bit (still not too bad). As stated earlier, you can take the Metro (BLUE or YELLOW line) to DCA. The Metro stop at DCA is right at the terminal so you will be off the train and at the security lane in less than five minutes.
Jul 19, 2011, 7:06 am
#42
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: US-CP, UA, Marriott Rewards, HHonors, Avis,
Posts: 4,549
I'd google "Washington DC Events National Mall" and look for any planned events during your visit, especially if it's a weekend. Larger rallies, marathons, parades and such can really snarl weekend traffic, especially if they shut down Memorial Bridge which is one of the major arteries between DC and VA.
If no major events planned, and if traveling by taxi, I personally would leave the White House area around 2 to catch a 3:30 flight (boards at 3:00). This may be a little less time than others are comfortable with, but having flown out of DCA more times than I can count, it's pretty rare that you can't get from downtown to the airport, through security and to the gate in an hour. That's even if you are checking bags.
I would use the kiosks to print my BP as DCA still has not perfected the art of the mobile BP, seems to be a flaky equipment thing rather than a training thing, and it's not consistent, but it does seem to bite me whenever I am running short on time.
If no major events planned, and if traveling by taxi, I personally would leave the White House area around 2 to catch a 3:30 flight (boards at 3:00). This may be a little less time than others are comfortable with, but having flown out of DCA more times than I can count, it's pretty rare that you can't get from downtown to the airport, through security and to the gate in an hour. That's even if you are checking bags.
I would use the kiosks to print my BP as DCA still has not perfected the art of the mobile BP, seems to be a flaky equipment thing rather than a training thing, and it's not consistent, but it does seem to bite me whenever I am running short on time.
Jul 19, 2011, 9:22 am
#43
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
BWI-Downtown DC is dependent on what you mean by "best." Red Top Sedan will have a car and driver pick you up and take you to your destination in DC for approx. $120 incl. tip. Taxi will be abt. $90 incl. tip.
MARC train an option but only runs day/early evening. Amtrak runs the same route, but you need to make sure you have a ticket (limited hours at BWI station).
Don't rent a car in DC. You will never use it and pay a fortune to park it.
Some CLT flights leave from Pier B (thought of as UA and AA). B has a priority security line. Security lines at DCA are quick & efficient (mostly experienced travelers) -- 20 mins. would be absolute worst at middle of rush hour.
MARC train an option but only runs day/early evening. Amtrak runs the same route, but you need to make sure you have a ticket (limited hours at BWI station).
Don't rent a car in DC. You will never use it and pay a fortune to park it.
Some CLT flights leave from Pier B (thought of as UA and AA). B has a priority security line. Security lines at DCA are quick & efficient (mostly experienced travelers) -- 20 mins. would be absolute worst at middle of rush hour.
Jul 19, 2011, 10:03 am
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Washington DC
Programs: AA Plat
Posts: 1,304
I think MARC or Amtrak, whichever fits your schedule, is the best bet for getting into the city. Both terminate at Union Station, and it's a quick metro ride to Farragut North on the red line. There is a kiosk at the BWI station for buying / printing tickets for Amtrak / MARC. Consult the schedules on their websites and pick out two or three trains that work for your scheduled arrival. Remember also that Amtrak tickets are easily refunded if you don't first print the ticket (if you do print it, you have to surrender the unused ticket to get a refund). So, no harm in buying a ticket in advance and refunding or changing if you misconnect to the train.
If your only two destinations are White House and DCA, you should only need a metro fare card with about $5 on it. If you might make more use of metro during the day, and are arriving at Union station after 9:30 am, buy an all day pass for $9. Metro has a useful trip planner: http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tri...ripplanner.cfm
Trains during the day can have a bit of lag time between them, and are often impacted by maintenance work. On departure, you should take the blue line from Farragut West (not North! like your arrival) or McPherson Square station toward Franconia Springfield. Travel time is about 15 to 20 min once you catch the train, but you might wait as long as 15 min to catch a train if luck is not on your side. I'd leave at 1:50 if going by metro. If you're looking to maximize your time in downtown, you should be ok to hop in a cab by 2:15. ~$20 fare. Obviously things can go really wrong, but it rarely takes me much more than 15 minutes to get to DCA by cab in the middle of the day. If you don't already have a BP, and can't use a mobile BP there are a handful of standalone kiosks that are along the walkway opposite of the ticket counter. There's never a line to use these. If you need to check a bag, then of course you have to go to the ticket counter (there's also a US bag check & ticket counter near the metro entrance, which often has no wait).
A car is generally a bad idea. DC can be tricky to navigate for the novice, inbound traffic from Maryland can be horrible (though generally lighter in July/August), and I'm familiar with a lot of fun stories about GPSs gone wrong in this town. Garage parking in the downtown area will run you from $20 to $30 depending on the garage. There is an AVIS on M Street NW around 17th. You could do a one way rental to there, drop it off upon arrival, walk down to the White House (6ish blocks), and then cab to DCA later for the same $20 you'd pay to park the car.
If your only two destinations are White House and DCA, you should only need a metro fare card with about $5 on it. If you might make more use of metro during the day, and are arriving at Union station after 9:30 am, buy an all day pass for $9. Metro has a useful trip planner: http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/tri...ripplanner.cfm
Trains during the day can have a bit of lag time between them, and are often impacted by maintenance work. On departure, you should take the blue line from Farragut West (not North! like your arrival) or McPherson Square station toward Franconia Springfield. Travel time is about 15 to 20 min once you catch the train, but you might wait as long as 15 min to catch a train if luck is not on your side. I'd leave at 1:50 if going by metro. If you're looking to maximize your time in downtown, you should be ok to hop in a cab by 2:15. ~$20 fare. Obviously things can go really wrong, but it rarely takes me much more than 15 minutes to get to DCA by cab in the middle of the day. If you don't already have a BP, and can't use a mobile BP there are a handful of standalone kiosks that are along the walkway opposite of the ticket counter. There's never a line to use these. If you need to check a bag, then of course you have to go to the ticket counter (there's also a US bag check & ticket counter near the metro entrance, which often has no wait).
A car is generally a bad idea. DC can be tricky to navigate for the novice, inbound traffic from Maryland can be horrible (though generally lighter in July/August), and I'm familiar with a lot of fun stories about GPSs gone wrong in this town. Garage parking in the downtown area will run you from $20 to $30 depending on the garage. There is an AVIS on M Street NW around 17th. You could do a one way rental to there, drop it off upon arrival, walk down to the White House (6ish blocks), and then cab to DCA later for the same $20 you'd pay to park the car.
Jul 19, 2011, 10:59 am
#45
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
The metro in DC is wonderful to use, we used it on that trip above (while staying at a hotel off of DuPont circle), as well as another trip staying out in the Maryland 'burbs (hotel was across from a metro stop). What took a friend a $50+ and 2-hour cab ride (in rush hour) took me a $2 and 45-min metro ride.
And getting to/fr the metro at DCA is such a breeze ^