For anyone watching this in late 2022, things have changed at DCA from what you see here. The main hall where you go to the gates is now after security, so you can only get in there if you have a ticket. The airport constructed new TSA checkpoint extensions that jut over the lower level roadway from the main hall level. So if you come to the airport by car, you'll start at the top level, check in, then go down an escalator to the TSA checkpoint, then into the main hall. If you come by Metrorail, you'll enter on the main level and go up the escalator to check-in (if you need to), then down again and through TSA to the main hall. What this did was remove the individual checkpoints at the piers, which allows free movement and easier connections between the B-E gates. (The A gates still have their own security checkpoint - so if you have to connect between certain airlines like United > Air Canada, you'll have to exit the secured area and re-enter through security).
Johnny, thanks for the input! Pinned your comment! I was back at DCA briefly this past August but didn't have all my gear. Frankly, a brand new video is the best way to share the updates!
Also, something else that changed is Terminals now have numbers instead of letters where Gates 1-9, which was Terminal A is now Terminal 1 and Terminals B and C are both now Terminal 2.
Flight restrictions near DCA are interesting as they take off and land while following the Potomac and Anacoatia Rivers and they have to skip flying over the financial centers of the DC area in order to prevent plane noises. I like how DCA was placed and it's very centralized in the DC area, even the president decides to fly a plane by using this airport too.
DCA Airport sure is one of the best placed airports in the world. It's placed in Arlington County, VA near the Potomac and is closer to Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. Also, it's very centralized in the DC Area.
DCA is literally the best regional airport I've seen in the US, if I compare that to MDW, DAL, HOU, and LGA which are all large regional airports like DCA.
DCA is very delay-sensitive, that's for sure. My last two trips through there involved significant delays, one for weather and one for a maintenance issue!
you should do an updated video, they have recently redone the tsa checkpoints and a lot of things look entirely different, i went about a week ago to look around and even though i’m a dc local and use the airport a lot, the new tsa checks confused me
I'd love to do an update, even a written one! I'll actually be visiting DCA briefly in a couple months, but just passing through. I'll see what I can gather while I'm there!
Thank you for the video! Is there a place i could rest? I'm transferring so i need to stay at the airport or go somewhere else for 11 hours. Also is there a place that i could take a shower or eat. My flight arrives at 11pm so idk if the shops are closed or not
It's funny you asked me today; I'll actually be in DCA today! I'll keep an eye out for a by-the-hour style sleep pods when I land! Either way, by 11, most everything at DCA will be closed. It's a primarily domestic airport so it's not as much a 24-hour airport as you might find at, say, JFK or ICN.
After checking it out thoroughly, I didn't see any sleeping pods (or similar) in the terminal. There are hotels right across the street in Crystal City, though. You also might ask at information (in National Hall) to see if they have a recommendation. As long as you have proof of onward travel, you might be able to find a secluded spot to rest before your trip the next day!
As of November 2021, a shuttle is no longer necessary! Security has been moved back before the National Hall, so you'll be able to walk between each terminal seamlessly now! Jealous!
For anyone watching this in late 2022, things have changed at DCA from what you see here. The main hall where you go to the gates is now after security, so you can only get in there if you have a ticket. The airport constructed new TSA checkpoint extensions that jut over the lower level roadway from the main hall level.
So if you come to the airport by car, you'll start at the top level, check in, then go down an escalator to the TSA checkpoint, then into the main hall. If you come by Metrorail, you'll enter on the main level and go up the escalator to check-in (if you need to), then down again and through TSA to the main hall.
What this did was remove the individual checkpoints at the piers, which allows free movement and easier connections between the B-E gates. (The A gates still have their own security checkpoint - so if you have to connect between certain airlines like United > Air Canada, you'll have to exit the secured area and re-enter through security).
Johnny, thanks for the input! Pinned your comment!
I was back at DCA briefly this past August but didn't have all my gear. Frankly, a brand new video is the best way to share the updates!
@@MilesByFoot Glad to help! Yes, I would love to see a new video if you make it back to DCA soon!
Also, something else that changed is Terminals now have numbers instead of letters where Gates 1-9, which was Terminal A is now Terminal 1 and Terminals B and C are both now Terminal 2.
Reagan is the best airport I’ve ever been to.
One of my favorites in the country!
Flight restrictions near DCA are interesting as they take off and land while following the Potomac and Anacoatia Rivers and they have to skip flying over the financial centers of the DC area in order to prevent plane noises. I like how DCA was placed and it's very centralized in the DC area, even the president decides to fly a plane by using this airport too.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I Love Airports ❤️
Yay!
Thank you for this! My first trip to the east coast from Alaska and I was getting anxious about the airport. Your video has really eased my fears!
Glad the video helped!!
DCA Airport sure is one of the best placed airports in the world. It's placed in Arlington County, VA near the Potomac and is closer to Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. Also, it's very centralized in the DC Area.
It's one of the reasons I love visiting DCA. The convenience is unmatched, especially compared to BWI or Dulles!
DCA is literally the best regional airport I've seen in the US, if I compare that to MDW, DAL, HOU, and LGA which are all large regional airports like DCA.
I Love this ❤️
🤩
DCA is definitely passenger friendly
I love it!
Love this video I’ve awlays wanted to go Washington DC and i fly out of dallas and it has a exception so yay
It sure does; you should give it a visit!
Very nice job, as usual 👌 I've occasionally teleworked full workdays at this airport just because I can lol. I always enjoy my time at DCA.
Lucky!
this is a very good airport, but the delays are terrifying
DCA is very delay-sensitive, that's for sure. My last two trips through there involved significant delays, one for weather and one for a maintenance issue!
you should do an updated video, they have recently redone the tsa checkpoints and a lot of things look entirely different, i went about a week ago to look around and even though i’m a dc local and use the airport a lot, the new tsa checks confused me
I'd love to do an update, even a written one! I'll actually be visiting DCA briefly in a couple months, but just passing through. I'll see what I can gather while I'm there!
I been to DCA flew with American
Thank you for the video! Is there a place i could rest? I'm transferring so i need to stay at the airport or go somewhere else for 11 hours. Also is there a place that i could take a shower or eat. My flight arrives at 11pm so idk if the shops are closed or not
It's funny you asked me today; I'll actually be in DCA today! I'll keep an eye out for a by-the-hour style sleep pods when I land!
Either way, by 11, most everything at DCA will be closed. It's a primarily domestic airport so it's not as much a 24-hour airport as you might find at, say, JFK or ICN.
@@MilesByFoot Could you please let me know if there are sleeping pods? Thank you!
After checking it out thoroughly, I didn't see any sleeping pods (or similar) in the terminal. There are hotels right across the street in Crystal City, though. You also might ask at information (in National Hall) to see if they have a recommendation. As long as you have proof of onward travel, you might be able to find a secluded spot to rest before your trip the next day!
Darryl Plains
Do I have to take a shuttle to go to gate 27 terminal B?
As of November 2021, a shuttle is no longer necessary! Security has been moved back before the National Hall, so you'll be able to walk between each terminal seamlessly now! Jealous!
I love that I can fly here from Houston Hobby on SWA instead of George Bush Intercontinental (IAH).
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