Experience with new DCA security in B/C terminal
Jul 29, 2022 | 4:45 pm
#31
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Perhaps Clear is the new First ? Even when PreCheck queues up there is usually no one in Clear.
Last edited by flyer703; Jul 30, 2022 at 6:16 am
Jul 29, 2022 | 5:45 pm
#32
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Clear indeed is sort of the way to now cut it closer for commuting from/to DCA, but the current set up is still not as good for me as it used to be.
It used to be a US hub until US combined with AA and then it sort of became what it is now under the AA name.
I still prefer the way DCA used to be from and for most of the years after the current main terminal building opened. It was much easier for me to cut it very close and not miss a flight out of DCA. Now I wouldnt even dare to commute out of DCA like I used to do, as it would mean increased risk of missing flights like crazy under the current dynamics. Even with CLEAR and PreCheck more centralized screening arrangements are just not for me.
with the new security layout snd the concourses opening up, its easier now to wander between flights and on layover if you choose to use a status lounge.
Before the AA concourses had a divide by TSA. Now it diesnt have it. There were outside security restaurants that are now behind security.
it is an AA hub
Before the AA concourses had a divide by TSA. Now it diesnt have it. There were outside security restaurants that are now behind security.
it is an AA hub
I still prefer the way DCA used to be from and for most of the years after the current main terminal building opened. It was much easier for me to cut it very close and not miss a flight out of DCA. Now I wouldnt even dare to commute out of DCA like I used to do, as it would mean increased risk of missing flights like crazy under the current dynamics. Even with CLEAR and PreCheck more centralized screening arrangements are just not for me.
Jul 29, 2022 | 6:58 pm
#33
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Clear indeed is sort of the way to now cut it closer for commuting from/to DCA, but the current set up is still not as good for me as it used to be.
It used to be a US hub until US combined with AA and then it sort of became what it is now under the AA name.
I still prefer the way DCA used to be from and for most of the years after the current main terminal building opened. It was much easier for me to cut it very close and not miss a flight out of DCA. Now I wouldnt even dare to commute out of DCA like I used to do, as it would mean increased risk of missing flights like crazy under the current dynamics. Even with CLEAR and PreCheck more centralized screening arrangements are just not for me.
It used to be a US hub until US combined with AA and then it sort of became what it is now under the AA name.
I still prefer the way DCA used to be from and for most of the years after the current main terminal building opened. It was much easier for me to cut it very close and not miss a flight out of DCA. Now I wouldnt even dare to commute out of DCA like I used to do, as it would mean increased risk of missing flights like crazy under the current dynamics. Even with CLEAR and PreCheck more centralized screening arrangements are just not for me.
David
Jul 30, 2022 | 12:33 am
#34
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For every hundred uses Ive made of DCA over the past 30 years, I have had less way less than one use of BWI. BWI I reject like the plague (and only accept in the case of being hit by the most inconvenient of IRROPs) . IAD I tolerate only because of the international route network or if going to the West Coast. While I understand why many other travelers, airlines and the airport businesses prefer the new arrangement for passengers to get airside or remain airside at DCA, this kind of arrangement is not a major improvement for me. The only upside of this arrangement for me may be a convoluted play related to mileage ticket pricing, but Im still waiting to see how that turns out longer term.
Jul 30, 2022 | 11:23 am
#35
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Clear indeed is sort of the way to now cut it closer for commuting from/to DCA, but the current set up is still not as good for me as it used to be.
It used to be a US hub until US combined with AA and then it sort of became what it is now under the AA name.
I still prefer the way DCA used to be from and for most of the years after the current main terminal building opened. It was much easier for me to cut it very close and not miss a flight out of DCA. Now I wouldnt even dare to commute out of DCA like I used to do, as it would mean increased risk of missing flights like crazy under the current dynamics. Even with CLEAR and PreCheck more centralized screening arrangements are just not for me.
It used to be a US hub until US combined with AA and then it sort of became what it is now under the AA name.
I still prefer the way DCA used to be from and for most of the years after the current main terminal building opened. It was much easier for me to cut it very close and not miss a flight out of DCA. Now I wouldnt even dare to commute out of DCA like I used to do, as it would mean increased risk of missing flights like crazy under the current dynamics. Even with CLEAR and PreCheck more centralized screening arrangements are just not for me.
the north might get all AA and south gets the others. South could be less wait time given more screening lines. In Seattle the north security can be horrendous due to all the AS customers but if you use the middle or south rnd it might not be as bad. PDX was like thst with AS and WN on one side of the airport. Now WZn is on the opposite side.
Dec 16, 2022 | 6:30 pm
#36
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One additional note on this: The Express Passenger Drop Off takes you into the Metro entrances, so if you have an early/late flight or another circumstance where the Metro station is closed, the doors will be LOCKED! This happened to me a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday morning. After panicking (I always cut it a little close) I walked across the roadway to the parking garage and took the elevator to the bridge to security.
Dec 21, 2022 | 7:15 am
#37
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I might be flying out of DCA with UA tomorrow maybe 2 pm flight. Expect any problems at that hour? The purple drop-off only makes sense if you are not checking luggage? I am thinking of a scenario where road traffic is really bad because of back-up into T1 like I noted in July. I was driving a rental and dropping off passengers and then afterwards dropping the rental, so I managed some aggressive maneuvers to get around the mess.
Dec 21, 2022 | 10:51 am
#38
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I might be flying out of DCA with UA tomorrow maybe 2 pm flight. Expect any problems at that hour? The purple drop-off only makes sense if you are not checking luggage? I am thinking of a scenario where road traffic is really bad because of back-up into T1 like I noted in July. I was driving a rental and dropping off passengers and then afterwards dropping the rental, so I managed some aggressive maneuvers to get around the mess.
i dont recall where the purple drop off is located.
you want to use the south end TSA. That's the non American side so likely less traffic. Departure out ofB gates which is basically across the hallway from TSA south.
south end of DCA metro station.. the walkway from there aligns with the upstairs escalators if you need to check bags. South TSA checkpoint is just to the left from the bridge you cross and the escalators up to airlines.
Dec 21, 2022 | 9:26 pm
#39
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watch the weather and flight status.
i dont recall where the purple drop off is located.
you want to use the south end TSA. That's the non American side so likely less traffic. Departure out ofB gates which is basically across the hallway from TSA south.
south end of DCA metro station.. the walkway from there aligns with the upstairs escalators if you need to check bags. South TSA checkpoint is just to the left from the bridge you cross and the escalators up to airlines.
i dont recall where the purple drop off is located.
you want to use the south end TSA. That's the non American side so likely less traffic. Departure out ofB gates which is basically across the hallway from TSA south.
south end of DCA metro station.. the walkway from there aligns with the upstairs escalators if you need to check bags. South TSA checkpoint is just to the left from the bridge you cross and the escalators up to airlines.
Dec 26, 2022 | 7:24 pm
#40
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