DCA Security this weekend (12/8)
Dec 3, 2006 | 7:24 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: somewhere under the rainbow
Posts: 316
DCA Security this weekend (12/8)
I'll be travelling from DCA (to STT) Dec 8. Can anyone tell me what to expect from TSA? How much time to allow? I know that each airport is different and some are more different than others, I just want to make sure that I allot enough time and am mentally prepared.... 
Thanks.
Thanks.
Dec 3, 2006 | 10:58 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Charm City!
Programs: Marriott LTP, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold, Hyatt Globalist,, Delta Plat,
Posts: 2,242
It's never taken me more than 15 minutes (even in peak periods) and I'm not elite on any airline. That said, I always arrived with an hour for security because I know if I actually only arrive 15-30 minutes early that'll be the day there is only one screening station open, and it will take an hour to get through. 
Dec 3, 2006 | 12:28 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 389
I will, of course, jinx you, but i agree with dcstudent. DCA is great. Also depends what time you are flying of course. 7 / 8am can be a little busy with all the shuttle flights to NY / Bos. I live about 10 minute taxi ride from DCA and am usually sitting at my gate within 25-30 minutes of leaving the house.
Dec 3, 2006 | 1:54 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
Posts: 10,515
What time is your flight?
On a Friday morning, the traffic from RIC to DCA can be horrible - it can take you well over 2 hours to get to DCA - if it's raining, it'll take even longer!
Give yourself 15 minutes to get parking & to the terminal (sometimes the bus runs slow) - 15-20 minutes to checkin if you've got no elite status - 15-20 minutes for security (at least - especially if you've got no elite status). The airlines recommend 90 minutes early for domestic flights - I've never had an issue - but if this is your vacation to STT & there probably aren't too many options if you miss it, I'd recommend following the airlines recommendations - better safe than sorry...
On a Friday morning, the traffic from RIC to DCA can be horrible - it can take you well over 2 hours to get to DCA - if it's raining, it'll take even longer!
Give yourself 15 minutes to get parking & to the terminal (sometimes the bus runs slow) - 15-20 minutes to checkin if you've got no elite status - 15-20 minutes for security (at least - especially if you've got no elite status). The airlines recommend 90 minutes early for domestic flights - I've never had an issue - but if this is your vacation to STT & there probably aren't too many options if you miss it, I'd recommend following the airlines recommendations - better safe than sorry...