True, but I'd still much rather connect out of DCA to the west coast then have a non-stop from IAD. The fact that you can leave for the airport (via car/taxi, not metro) 45min - 1hr before your flight departs rather than 2+ hours for IAD makes the connection almost seem quicker, and less stressful.

IAD has too many unknowns (Traffic, Long Security at peak times, Mobile lounges).

I agree that while getting to the line for security in DCA is easier, the line at DCA tends to move more slowly (at least compared to the elite passenger line at IAD). I think it has to do with the way the tables are set up leading to the X-ray machine. Also, I find that DCA always looks through my carry-on (I carry a lot of electronic equipment). Most of the time, IAD doesn't.

Your experiences may, of course, differ. I fly out of IAD regularly, and DCA fairly rarely, because all my trips are international.

I like all 3 airports, but IAD has the worst design.

BWI is more than Baltimore's airport. It is probably more accurate to say it is Maryland's airport. The Washington suburbs reach pretty close to BWI, and a significant portiiiion of people flying through there are coming from, or going to Washington.

DCA is not a little airport, if you count number of flights and pax, rather than just looking at the size of it.

Living where I do now, it's a toss-up between IAD and DCA. DCA has the Metro, but when bringing family and luggage, driving beats Metro. Getting to IAD is easier for me, even though I am in Maryland.

DCA has good sushi (pre-security), BWI has decent gelato (post-security, near some of the United gates). It's all about what food there is to eat if you're waiting/delayed. :D

Gelato or Potbelly's. Decisions decisions.

what's stopping a carrier like AA/DL, etc. from coming in to DCA and beating up on US? i know that no airline is perfect, but let's be serious...right now, US is driving away their elite flyers en masse.

I just moved to DC and will be traveling 3-4 days a week - already decided to leave US behind.

Slots.

slots are strictly allocated at DCA(also at a number of other airports). Once upon a time, it was 37 per hour. I think it closer to 60ph now. They can be bought, sold, traded, or created on a whim by any west coast senator who wants a direct flight home.

Almost by accident, US has accumulated a large number of slots at DCA thru acquisitions(piedmont & allegany come to mind), and some through direct purchase(I think they bought one of the shuttle routes). I think they also swapped UA something to get DCA slots.

whenever the slots per hour have been increased, it has been pretty much on a basis of the number you already have.