Washington’s Airports Prepare for Busy Holiday Season

The upcoming holiday travel season - Veterans Day on November 11 through the New Year's holiday - is expected to bring high levels of passengers to airport roadways, parking facilities and terminals. In addition, the ongoing government shutdown could affect federally managed resources such as TSA checkpoints and Air Traffic Control, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection for international arrivals.

Airlines serving Reagan National and Dulles International airports are working with the Federal Aviation Administration in its effort to reduce the number of flights at major U.S. airports in the coming days to help address Air Traffic Control staffing issues. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority anticipates that airlines will reach out directly to affected customers regarding flight cancellations or rescheduling options. Additional guidance for passengers regarding effects of the federal government shutdown will be posted as needed on the airport websites flyreagan.comand flydulles.com.

With these factors in mind, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is sharing travel tips, as well as an overview of recent changes, for a better journey.

Peak Travel Periods:

Travelers can expect an increase in airport activity this weekend leading into Veterans Day, followed by busy days around Thanksgiving. Airport roads can be heavily congested on peak days - including the Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday and Monday after the holiday. Both airports are served by the Metrorailpublic transit system, which is the best way to avoid traffic congestion.

Airport Arrival Time

Passengers are advised to check in at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights. For international flights, passengers should check in three hours in advance. Passengers should check with their airlines for updates on any flight delays or cancellations.

Tips for Navigating Airport Parking and Roadways

• Reserve parking at Reagan National or Dulles Internationalwell in advance to guarantee a space. Customers with reservations can park even if the garage or lot signs display 'full.'
• Consider Metrorail at either airport to avoid roadway congestion near the terminals.
• Use the Reagan National Kiss and Flyto drop off passengers for easy access to the terminal and to avoid possible heavy traffic at the departures level. Use the Dulles International Kiss and Fly,located at the Metro station, which is a short walk to the terminal.
• Use the Cell Phone Lotat Dulles Airport as an alternate waiting area for arriving passengers.
• Passengers are encouraged to use wayfinding apps such as Google Maps and Waze when driving to the terminals or parking garages to avoid circling on airport roads.
• Drivers parking in garages at Dulles International can save time by taking the Aviation Drive "garage parking" exit from the airport access highway. Turn right and follow signs to avoid terminal-area roadway congestion. (See the graphic below.)

New at the Airports

Dulles International and Reagan National continue to enhance the passenger experience with a variety of new dining and shopping options for holiday travelers.

At Dulles, passengers can now enjoy Grille District in Concourse D, offering classic American fare; and Fiolina in Concourse A, bringing a taste of authentic Italian cuisine to the airport. Concourse B welcomes The Goods @ IAD, a modern convenience store featuring travel essentials, snacks and local favorites. A new Starbucks in Concourse D provides a familiar stop for coffee lovers on the go.

Meanwhile, at Reagan National, Nalley Fresh has opened in Concourse D, adding another healthy option for travelers with customizable salads, wraps and bowls. Passengers at Reagan National also will notice new seating options with built-in charging stations located throughout the airport. The new amenities are part of the ongoing 'DCA Reimagined' airport enhancement program.