NW in DC - IAD or DCA? Any Suggestions?
Dec 29, 2007, 4:55 pm
#16
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: New York, NY USA
Programs: DL DM/ 2MM, BA Silver, Amtrak Select Executive, SPG Life Plat/Amb, Fairmont Preferred
Posts: 1,056
Not applicable since you're renting a car, but DCA is convenient if you want to take the Metro into DC.
Dec 30, 2007, 5:33 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: PM - Delta, Hilton - Diamond
Posts: 143
OP already said he's flying into DCA, but I'll throw in my two cents
I have flown in and out of both airports many, many times, but (as you might guess from the handle) I prefer DCA.
At the NW terminal (in the original building), you can be from the entrance to the gate in a very quick walk. Security is quick. Only downsides are the previously mentioned:
- DCA worldclub kind of dingy and before security
- DCA luggage handling is very slow
Delta and Continental terminals typically have slightly longer lines for security, but there is a good president's club and delta lounge inside security
I will usually fly IAD for flights to Europe, but by taxi from central DC to IAD it takes at least 3-4 times longer than DCA, depending on traffic
I have flown in and out of both airports many, many times, but (as you might guess from the handle) I prefer DCA.
At the NW terminal (in the original building), you can be from the entrance to the gate in a very quick walk. Security is quick. Only downsides are the previously mentioned:
- DCA worldclub kind of dingy and before security
- DCA luggage handling is very slow
Delta and Continental terminals typically have slightly longer lines for security, but there is a good president's club and delta lounge inside security
I will usually fly IAD for flights to Europe, but by taxi from central DC to IAD it takes at least 3-4 times longer than DCA, depending on traffic
Dec 30, 2007, 8:07 pm
#18
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DFW
Programs: Marriott Life Titanium, Hilton Diamond, United Silver, DL, IHG Plat, etc.
Posts: 2,888
Price is same for IAD / DCA - Does the board have a preference?
Arriving 10AM Friday, Departing 4PM on a Monday. Traffic at these times will be manageable for either airport: Tie
- Easier access to rental cars? DCA hands down
- shorter Baggage arrival time? Both are bad. I'd suggest renting clubs
- Shorter security lines when departing? DCA hands down
- Better u/g potential? Tied, both are good
- Better NW World club? IAD hands down
- Anything else worth considering. (I've never been to DC) DCA has better views on your flight approach, if coming from the North you follow the Potomac River and can clearly see the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, etc.
Arriving 10AM Friday, Departing 4PM on a Monday. Traffic at these times will be manageable for either airport: Tie
- Easier access to rental cars? DCA hands down
- shorter Baggage arrival time? Both are bad. I'd suggest renting clubs
- Shorter security lines when departing? DCA hands down
- Better u/g potential? Tied, both are good
- Better NW World club? IAD hands down
- Anything else worth considering. (I've never been to DC) DCA has better views on your flight approach, if coming from the North you follow the Potomac River and can clearly see the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, etc.
Dec 31, 2007, 5:39 am
#19
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Guangxi China
Programs: nwaworldperks gold, cathay pacific asia miles, bangkok airways
Posts: 161
yes, i waited so long I went to grab a cup of coffee upstairs.................and that was the afternoon flight.........