DCA: What to expect?
Oct 13, 2004 | 4:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NJ
Posts: 211
DCA: What to expect?
I haven't flown in/out of DCA before, but will be flying EWR-DCA twice in the next week.
What are security lines like (one flight ex-DCA is Monday evening; the other is Thursday morning)?
Is there a first class/elite line to speed things up, or just general security (I'm flying CO).
I tried using the TSA site to get wait times, and even though I can't figure out the relationship between Center Pier, Concourse A, North Pier and South Pier to Terminal A/B/C, it looks like the worst-case averages based on the TSA are 20-25 minutes. Is that realistic?
Thanks in advance,
mlk
What are security lines like (one flight ex-DCA is Monday evening; the other is Thursday morning)?
Is there a first class/elite line to speed things up, or just general security (I'm flying CO).
I tried using the TSA site to get wait times, and even though I can't figure out the relationship between Center Pier, Concourse A, North Pier and South Pier to Terminal A/B/C, it looks like the worst-case averages based on the TSA are 20-25 minutes. Is that realistic?
Thanks in advance,
mlk
Oct 13, 2004 | 4:37 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: DL - Platinum, Hilton -Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 377
I was actually at DCA last Thursday evening, around 8pm. I was making a connection, when you switch concourses at DCA you have to re-clear security. (and yes I did feel like that was a bit crazy, but I also saw the reason and you will too when you visit the airport.) Anyway, I think it took me about 10 minutes to get through, it was quite efficient. BTW, DCA is a gorgeous airport.
Happy travels,
John
Happy travels,
John
Oct 13, 2004 | 5:00 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Arlington VA
Posts: 5,735
Agreed (re: Amtrak). It is about the same price; Newark to DC Union Station is like 2.5 hours. If you are near downtown Newark, getting to downtown DC is faster by train. Much more convenient, and you can leave on whatever train fits your schedule with no reservation, no change fees, and no security lines.
Oct 13, 2004 | 5:14 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Jupiter, FL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Silver
Posts: 39,572
One thing to keep in mind is that you are not allowed to leave your seat 20 minutes before landing or after take off at DCA. I know it is a short hop for you, but plan your bathroom break accordingly. Because...
if you are forced to circle for 80 minutes like I was earlier this year, you still cannot get up and use the restroom.
if you are forced to circle for 80 minutes like I was earlier this year, you still cannot get up and use the restroom.
Oct 13, 2004 | 5:15 pm
#7
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Location: Jupiter, FL
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Originally Posted by AArlington
No elite lines; but I've never had more than a 15 minute wait (usually no wait at all).
The normal lines are not long at all though. Certainly shorter than Dulles.
Oct 13, 2004 | 5:37 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Arlington VA
Posts: 5,735
Originally Posted by pbiflyer
I thought I remembered one for Delta. Was I mistaken?
The normal lines are not long at all though. Certainly shorter than Dulles.
The normal lines are not long at all though. Certainly shorter than Dulles.
Oct 13, 2004 | 9:36 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NJ
Posts: 211
Originally Posted by Japhydog
Slightly OT, but may I ask why you're flying instead of taking Amtrak? Seems to me that Amtrak is much more efficient and comfortable NYC-DC.
Thanks to all who replied for the info on what to expect at DCA.
mlk
Oct 14, 2004 | 8:03 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DCA
Posts: 1,413
Originally Posted by mlk
I tried using the TSA site to get wait times, and even though I can't figure out the relationship between Center Pier, Concourse A, North Pier and South Pier to Terminal A/B/C, it looks like the worst-case averages based on the TSA are 20-25 minutes. Is that realistic?
Oct 14, 2004 | 10:16 am
#11
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Join Date: Oct 1999
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Posts: 23,768
Originally Posted by mlk
Call me crazy, but I like flying. I'm not a big fan of trains.
mlk
mlk
To confirm a prior post, at DCA there is an Elite line at the pier used by DL and CO.