Okay, this is my first time posting...

My family and I are leaving from IAD tomorrow (Saturday) morning 7:50am flight on Virgin America. We are in the Tysons Corner area. I've checked in online but need to check our luggage in at the counter. We plan on parking in the economy lot. Any suggestions as to what time we need to leave to make sure we have enough time to check our luggage, get through security, etc. I'm thinking 5:30, but not sure. How busy will the airport be in the morning? Should be expect really long security lines? I appreciate any assistance as its been over 2 years since I've flown out of IAD and don't know what to expect.

Your schedule sounds good. Leave Tysons Corner at 5:30am. You'll be in the Economy Lot by 5:50am. Shuttle bus should have you at the Main Terminal by 6:15am. Enter the Main Terminal at the first accessible entrance (west end); go up the escalator; ahead and to the right is Virgin America's ticket counter.

After checking bags, TSA security entrance is at the top of the escalator you used a few minutes earlier. Immediately after TSA security, take the shuttle going to the B60s-B70s gates (shuttle runs every 5-7 minutes). When you exit the shuttle at the B Concourse, Virgin America's gates are immediately to your left. There are numerous options for something to eat in that immediate area.

TSA security can be fairly busy around 6:30am, but it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes or so. I think you should be at the gate by a few minutes after 7:00am.

Have a safe trip.

Annandaler's advice seems right on. At that time of the morning, you should be in the airport reasonably early so getting there at 6:15 sounds right.

And welcome to FT, gr8dealsforme!