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DCA > IAD > BWI
Definitive rankings. Dulles is loads better than bwi in airport quality. Getting there and back from DuPont is so easy compared to BWI (via car) and will be easier if the metro ever opens.
DCA. Small, short lines, good flights, 10 mins from casa.
DCA simply because it is the easiest to get to
Chief
DCA also has arguably the best descent views of any continental airport
Chief
DCA >>> BWI >>>>>>>>>>> Union Station >>>>>>>>>> Driving >>> Walking >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Dulles
Rising Star
DCA is one of the most convenient urban airports in the world.
Atlanta is just as convenient as far as urban airports I took the metro right from midtown. But it was also the busiest airport in the world and security was always a nightmare
DCA is the best easily. The other two are just way too far out. They also aren’t as nice inside.
Rising Star
In my head, Dulles = DCB. Because
DCA is Plan A, but if that’s not available I’ll resort to DCB🙃😂
DCA >>>> BWI >> IAD.
DCA is most convenient for transportation (dropped off, train, or parking). It’s also super compact—when designed, they made sure the furthest gate is no more than ~1200 feet from the curb. It also has a great design, nice views, and and strong-enough food options. And for anyone who’s studied queue theory knows that consolidated security checkpoints will ease wait times.
IAD is awful since there are lots of level changes (takes like 5 escalators up and down to just get to the people mover), the train doesn’t go to D gates, and food options are sub-par.
BWI because im 20 mins from it lol
I’m equal distance from all three, and it really depends. BWI is less crowded and less likely to have delays but low on services. DCA is easier to get to but getting crowded, and prone to getting delayed. IAD was a breeze for my last international flight but coming home at rush hour was a pain.
Silver Spring on the Beltway.
BWI all the way. Cuz it has chipotle on terminal A
But does BWI have a people mover ? No, so it’s better than IAD by default.
Uhhh the people mover is arguably the worst part of IAD, when any other airport of its size would use tunnels w/ moving walkways. So inefficient
DCA, at least I can take the metro yeet
DCA is by far the best. It’s compact and fast. And has direct metro access. Only downside is the horrible food options but hey
Rising Star
&Pizza is not horrible. Come at me! And Chick-Fil-A is pure 🤤🤤🤤
If you’re flying Southwest though… ugh, painful.
DCA because I live in Arlington. IAD over BWI unless the ticket is significantly cheaper because getting up to Baltimore is a PITA.
With Clear and Precheck, I've gotten from my place to the gate in 20 minutes at DCA
Pro
Man when I was traveling weekly, my trips from DCA to courthouse were 20min tops (closer to 10 min in Monday AM)
It was nice
Depends on what you're looking for. If you have a Priority Pass, IAD is by far the winner just by virtue of the excellent lounges (sorely lacking at DCA). Lounges aside, if driving, I find DCA and IAD equally onerous, and BWI by far the hardest to access (got bogged down in a 3 hour traffic jam on 95 once with a six month old in the car... never again). If using public transportand traveling light, DCA is the easiest.
Domestic def DCA. Intl maybe IAD. Mainly bc I can literally get through DCA to my gate in 30 mins or less (I've done less just wouldnt want to risk it again. Literally did it in 10 mins once). But for an intl flight wouldnt want to cut it that close and might also have a checked bag so would want a lounge