DCA or IAD
 

Hi,

I have never been to washington so going on an in friday out sunday evening flight in december.

Which is the best airport given that it is (1) sunday evening and (2) I will be a tourist downtown to fly out of IAD or DCA.

Oh and I will be on UA, is there an RCC at DCA?

thanks in advance

Mark

DCA is close to downtown and has the Metro subway that can take you directly downtown. IAD is about a half hour away from downtown by car in Virginia. DCA is also in Virginia.
If you're flying UA, IAD is the best bet because of its hub status. If you were flying back home, there are nonstops to LAX and SFO which would be better than taking the DCA-ORD flights.

In terms of routing, if you prefer non-stop, IAD is better as SFOJFK noted. Coming from CHC, you have two connections to IAD vs. three connections to DCA.

In addition, the FAA in its infinite wisdom has banned standing on any flight to DCA within 30 minutes of landing, or from DCA within 30 minutes of takeoff. Interestingly enough, the no-standing rule does not apply to any nearby airports, such as IAD, BWI, CHO, RIC, etc.

Fri(or any other work day) 4:30-6pm trip from IAD to WAS can be a very no fun trip. May take 1-2 hrs. Cab fare is big bucks. Sun evening should not be a problem for transport to either airport.

The Metro from DCA to WAS is easy.