Long haul flights not allowed from DCA / Washington National?
#31
#32
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#33
Join Date: Mar 2003
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707's did use DCA but they never flew internationally for European flights (to my knowledge there hasn't been a scheduled European flight to/from DCA).
PanAm had a DCA flight with a 707 back in the later 50s/early 60s. Lots of wide-bodies did utilize DCA. As mentioned up-thread, DL had a 767, Eastern did too.
A NW DC-10 made a diversion to DCA (from BWI) during a storm and made an empty flight out the next day.
AND, the 787 has come in and out of DCA when it was first launched - I was at Gravelly Point and expected the 787 to take most of the 7k foot runway to get off the ground but it was up and off with lots of room to spare making its departure with ease (it was empty of course).
PanAm had a DCA flight with a 707 back in the later 50s/early 60s. Lots of wide-bodies did utilize DCA. As mentioned up-thread, DL had a 767, Eastern did too.
A NW DC-10 made a diversion to DCA (from BWI) during a storm and made an empty flight out the next day.
AND, the 787 has come in and out of DCA when it was first launched - I was at Gravelly Point and expected the 787 to take most of the 7k foot runway to get off the ground but it was up and off with lots of room to spare making its departure with ease (it was empty of course).
#34
Join Date: Nov 2007
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My friends in Ops at DCA say 757 is the largest allowed to land under normal circumstances; as noted above, on rare occasions larger planes (767, 777, 787, etc) have landed in emergency or under special conditions (empty/light). Ostensibly the perimeter rule was implemented as a regulatory measure to reduce congestion; in truth, particularly for DCA, the real reason was force traffic to IAD, which otherwise would have not been able to justify it's existence. MWAA hates it and vociferously resists whenever a congress-critter tries to expand the slot exemptions.
#35
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#36
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Yup!! 100% correct. Have a friend that's part of that movement. Hates the sheer existence of the airport and it even more adamantly angry when any slots are put forth to increase the traffic at DCA. Especially if it's yet another "long haul" flight that could lead to an increased frequency if the flight is profitable.
#37
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Yup!! 100% correct. Have a friend that's part of that movement. Hates the sheer existence of the airport and it even more adamantly angry when any slots are put forth to increase the traffic at DCA. Especially if it's yet another "long haul" flight that could lead to an increased frequency if the flight is profitable.
#38
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Not to mention the noise complaints from DCA's neighbors who almost every single one of them chose to buy/rent housing close to an airport...
#39
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If IAD is to be encouraged, mass transit needs to be improved. I am so impressed with the network of "airport express" rail and bus service options when I'm often in HKG and ICN. My life in the DC area was centered right in the heart of DC near the Metro Center station. I dreaded the trek of going to IAD to get back to the west coast. But often opted for DCA with a stop along the way just for the convenience of the trip.
#40
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If IAD is to be encouraged, mass transit needs to be improved. I am so impressed with the network of "airport express" rail and bus service options when I'm often in HKG and ICN. My life in the DC area was centered right in the heart of DC near the Metro Center station. I dreaded the trek of going to IAD to get back to the west coast. But often opted for DCA with a stop along the way just for the convenience of the trip.
#41
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#42
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#43
Join Date: Oct 2003
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If IAD is to be encouraged, mass transit needs to be improved. I am so impressed with the network of "airport express" rail and bus service options when I'm often in HKG and ICN. My life in the DC area was centered right in the heart of DC near the Metro Center station. I dreaded the trek of going to IAD to get back to the west coast. But often opted for DCA with a stop along the way just for the convenience of the trip.
But when part until of the Silver line opened, they started the Silver line bus from Reston - the trip increased to 90 minutes, with slow train and transfer to bus. The 5A metro city bus is quickest at 45 minutes from Rosslyn VA, since it only makes one stop along the IAD access express way.and it drops you off right at the terminal by the parking lot bus stop.
When Metro opens it will be over a hour,and then you have a good hike in the tunnel from IAD stop to the terminal.
Drive time is about 30 minutes, but if your are driving and parking you have travel from remote lot by bus or a long walk from close in parking lots.
Uber or taxi is fastest but most expensive - but still 30 minutes after it arrives. Taxi can be reserved in advance so taxi is quickest. Uber you wait for arrival.
Oh well - DCA is still the easiest. For DCA to IAD once Silver line opens - figure 1.5 hours, with a transfer.
#44
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Probably more than you wanted to know about perimeter and high density rules at DCA and LGA.
https://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648219.pdf
https://www.gao.gov/assets/650/648219.pdf
#45
Join Date: May 2009
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I've always wondered why AA doesn't have a handful of non-stops to the Caribbean from DCA --- for example, GCM, PLS, STT, NAS. Or at least those airports where customs is cleared before departure back to the states. Is it primarily limitations on slots and no political pull for exemptions?