Submitted by One_Caterpillar5020 t3_z2zy0b in washingtondc
Left at 2:50pm from 6th and E NW
20min Lyft to terminal 2 departures
5min to check oversized bag at American, no line
5min through security, no precheck and maybe 1-2 people in front of me
Was at my gate by 3:25pm. Airport is actually kind of empty and there are a lot of airport staff just around directing people
THANK YOU DCA FOR (most of the time) BEING THE BEST EASIEST MOST ACCESSIBLE AIRPORT
Was pleasantly surprised by the lack of lines at security today at terminal 1
I’m waiting for my connection at O’Hare and keep thinking about the fact that (when the yellow line is running) I live in a crazy nice area (Penn Quarter along the mall—not technically Chinatown) and can get from my apartment door to my gate in less than 30 minutes using public transportation for $1. I don’t know of any other major cities where you can do that.
Plus, I like the think the noise pollution is less because of its location between the highway and the water plus the major flight path being over the river. The residences the planes otherwise fly over already have city noise pollution so I like to think it’s not crazy disruptive to some quiet suburbs. (You can reply and prove me wrong).
Will miss it when I move.
What costs only $1?
The last time I rode the yellow line Archives to DCA it charged me just $1.50
Wow! I’ve had great luck like this a few times at DCA, wouldn’t expect it on thanksgiving week. Flew last weekend to Newark (planes are cheaper than Amtrak apparently now) and security took me about a half hour, which was surprising. Wound up running to my gate because I thought I missed the plane. I didn’t though!
I’ve flown through DCA probably 100 times. Maybe a couple bad experiences mostly involving cancelled flights. I usually do my front door (NW DC) to gate in under 30 minutes.
I have nightmares about IAD though.
DCA rocks.
I grew up in Reno NV and it's one of the rare international airports that's in the middle of town. Literally right next to the Costco. 15 minute drive from almost anywhere in town, and it's small enough that getting your gate takes about 15 minutes.
I'm very spoiled and it was a rude awakening realizing that most airports are situated outside metro areas and take at least an hour to get to.
DCA spoils me again, usually. It's a gem.
Agreed. Today wasn’t bad at all. Blue line train was waiting for me which made it even better. Security line was 10 minutes to I’d check (no tsa pre). Crowds not ridiculous.
Meanwhile Dulles had like three people working border control.
DCA is my favorite airport in the country as far as expeditiousness (there isn't a ton to do and pretty much zero shopping, but still a good tradeoff IMO).
I've never looked it up but I assume it has something to do with the fact that Members of Congress often fly home on a weekly basis.
I used to live at DuPont circle and my record from apartment door to gate was 19 minutes via rock creek pkwy. I used to travel a lot and dca is definitely in my top 5 fav airports in major cities terms of availability of flights and accessibility.
DCA was always such a quick and pleasant experience for me. I prefer it so much to the other airport I was at regularly, ATL airport is a hell full of long lines
Can confirm similar time at 6:30 pm.
Seriously it is a god send.
Thanks for the update.
Didn't expect security to be so quick. Got through in plenty of time for my flight.
Mmm m
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atropos85 t1_ixj53t2 wrote
Agreed. Inside the airport it’s not bad. Security (pre-check) took 5 mins. Such a pleasant surprise!