For the first time since the airport updated its layout to move more public space behind the security checkpoints, I had a chance to fly out of Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA). I’m not a big fan of the new layout, though I guess I will get used to it…
I Found The New Washington National Airport Layout More Time-Consuming
DCA, which locals just call National Airport, has always been one of my favorite airports in the nation. The approaches over Washington, DC are amazing and the airport is very convenient for those in the District and the surrounding suburbs of Northern Virginia.
The airport itself is beautiful as well (you might enjoy this photo essay I compiled) and for years, it has been somewhat unique in that much of the common areas (with shops and restaurants) were on the “landside” instead of the “secure” side (meaning, before security).
But in order to “streamline” operations, the airport underwent a big change during the pandemic and in 2021 opened two large new centralized screening checkpoints in Terminal 2, one on the north side and the other on the south side. The idea was to make security more efficient than the old pier approach in which you only had access to the narrow band of gates your flight was departing from.
But I found the new approach involved quite a bit more walking and did not seem to save me any time.
Our driver dropped us off outside the Delta signs in front of Terminal 2, which is the largest terminal. Inside, we were about 3/4 of the way to north checkpoint, so we walked to the far north end of the terminal, proceeded down a pair of escalators, then had another decent walk to actually reach the front of the checkpoint. The line itself was empty, but we had to go through a maze of belt stanchions to reach the front.
Once through security, we found our Delta flight was departing from the other end of the airport and the walk south, even at a healthy clip, took over 12 minutes.
Even the next day (after our delay) we walked directly to the south security checkpoint but still found that quite a walk from where the shuttle dropped us off and the setup is just annoying: even if you avoid the stanchion maze you still find yourself going back and forth from the security entrance to the line entrance to the checkpoint and metal detector itself.
CONCLUSION
I’m sure we will get used to the new layout, but I am not a fan…I found it less efficient than the old system, even though there are advantages to having access to all gate areas once you clear security.
For me, it was just one trip: some of you have to deal with DCA every week. I’m curious what your thoughts are on the security checkpoint changes at DCA.
I don’t sense that it takes more time than before, but I think it is certainly worth it to have to have all the gates connected and all the restaurants accessible airside. Still more efficient than Dulles, and you don’t have to take any trams or mobile lounges. The new gates and new AA lounge are also much appreciated. It will probably be nice to have an Amex Centurion lounge open in a year or so, though I suspect it will be very crowded.
Well, I do not deal with DCA every week, but as I live in Arlington it is my home airport.
This entire project was a solution in search of a problem. Security at the three piers worked well. Perhaps the only improvement was the new terminal which replaced gate 35X. Plus, status/class of service gets you nothing at the new security – I finally knuckled under and got precheck.
DCA is my home airport. I find the security lines much reduced and like being able to access all the amenities airside, especially once the Amex Plat and Cap1 Venture grab-and-go dining concepts come online. I can understand how the new layout may result in longer walks but it’s kind of ingenious how the architects were able to fit tens of thousands of square feet of additional space into such a limited footprint.
Bingo. Especially with the two big non-airline-specific lounges, having everything together post-security is a huge improvement. Also in the past some TSA lines were long and others weren’t, so that’s better too. Only thing I wish were different now is that there is a still separate security for terminal A. That means when I fly Southwest (or air canada) I have to go through security twice if I want to get lounge benefits.
Bingo, too. Love my home airport and appreciate Matt’s naming as we locals do. Unfortunately he did head in the wrong direction but apparently few people. The North is slammed early morning with all the AA flights other times it’s been smooth – I have Clear & PRECHECK. Next morning flight I’m trying the south.
Using Metro or secondary drop off spot gets you right to either security Wow. I forgot about the other drop off. Oh well next time
Anyway best wishes for Matt’s next visit since I know he likes DC.
I agree with everything you’ve written.
A lot of the time, people try to fix something that isn’t broken. After they “fix” it, it often causes more problems…
I like the new layout. A few extra minutes of walking isn’t that big of a deal.
I fly Delta all the time. If I remember correctly, the Delta area is on the first floor. Maybe try getting dropped off at arrivals next time? The taxis and Ubers drop you off there because that is where the check in counter is and where people check a bag.
I live in DC and use DCA quite frequently. I like the new setup. I think it works well and rarely is there a line. FYI- there’s an express dropoff – you can be dropped off right in front of those security areas if you follow the signs, rather than on the traditional upper level. That can also streamline things. This only works if you’re not checking a bag or if you’re on Delta or AA, who also have check in/ bag checks right next to the security areas.
DCA is my home airport (some of us local do call it by it’s IATA code!) and I’m there about once every other month to begin a trip and I *quite* like the new configuration. The piers are much less chaotic because a fair amount of people departing from that pier are relaxing elsewhere along National Hall for a bit before boarding, and I’ve found PreCheck to be faster at the new checkpoints than it was at the old per-pier checkpoints. A big win for both originating and connecting passengers. Name another airport of this size that has less average walking time/distance from curb to gate!
I LOVE the new setup! It’s so much easier and the expanded security lines move fast. It also opens up so many more options on the concourse for concessions and gives additional space for lounges that can be behind security.
It’s beautiful compared to DCA terminal 1. I have been using American airlines this year but had a morning Southwest flight from DCA this last time I visited. I wanted breakfast and there were very few options available. The food was gross and much more expensive than my usual in 2E. Too many people and not enough space in the terminal. The one drinking fountain had a garbage bag over it so I had to purchase a drink. It is a pit and amazing it is the same airport property.
Yes the old terminal is a dump and a horrible place to fly to/from. Baggage claim is way too small and crowded. I don’t mind flying Southwest but I do often avoid them at DCA because of the the terminal.
Agree. I avoid Southwest and Frontier in general, but DCA Terminal 1 is reason enough. On the other hand, if you are flying one of those, you are not expecting a pleasant experience in the first place.
I find the new layout to be mostly an improvement, but I live here and fly in/out of DCA at least monthly, and frequently more often. In other words, I’ve gotten used to it. I know to tell the driver to drop me at the first open spot they see if I’m flying Delta or UA, and drop me at the opposite end of the terminal if I’m flying AA. If flying AA (north checkpoint) or DL (south checkpoint) and need to check a bag, don’t bother with the counter….head straight downstairs to your respective security checkpoint where they have a staffed counter. Can pick up a boarding pass there as well if you don’t use your phone.
My experience as well. It’s also very easy when arriving from the Metro station, again as long as you follow the signs to your respective airline- AA on the back of the train if arriving from DC, everyone else in T2 on the front of the train. From the Metro faregates it’s super easy and all on the same level.
I don’t disagree with you – I lived in DC for over a decade, but I do find that it has significantly improved the connection experience (between the security layout change and the opening of the new pier). I live in Durham, and now prioritize connecting at DCA whenever possible.
Seems like the general consensus is that I just need to get used to it.
This may be why American politics is a zoo now. The silent majority say nothing. I wasn’t going to comment.
The old layout helps oldsters. The new is ok for youngsters and middle aged.
It’s a common problem, grand looking airport terminals cause aches for oldsters.
The new might allow slightly more spending because you can spend until boarding instead òf having to be stuck in the concourses
Are you calling me an oldster? 😉
DC resident who typically calls it DCA (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t here).
I find the lines can get longer in Pre-Check now more than they did before when security was spread out at peak hours. But overall I like the change. It was inevitable, frankly, with Airport modernizations to consolidate security into fewer locations. The extra space post-security is nice, even if I do miss the old ability to wander the hall… now I don’t have to chug my coffee pre-security to get to the gate!
Not good for older people. I am 83 and was breathless when I reached my gate!
Change can be difficult.
I prefer the banjo.
The set up is fine for what it is and is clearly marked throughout the process. I use DCA monthly. The airport is nice enough, but it could improve the dining the offerings, which are not great at all.
Like other who’ve commented, DCA is also my home airport. The walks may be longer in certain circumstances and shorter in others. If you are going to/from the airport by the Metro and you only have carry-on, you have much less walking as long as you remember which side of the Metro station to use depending on your airline. AA to the north, DL the south, and generally south for other airlines. AA and DL also have bag check stations on the Metro/security level so you don’t necessarily have to go upstairs unless you need full service. I’ve made it from the plane door to the door of my apartment in Alexandria in 20 minutes riding the Metro and that’s with a 7 minute walk in Alexandria. And I’ve made it from my apartment to my departure gate in under 30 minutes. Having everything post-security gives you better dining and lounge options and it’s easier to get from terminal to terminal if there’s a gate change. The AvGeek in me liked being able to spend time in the Great Hall, but I prefer the convenience of the current layout when traveling. Also, there is a pre-security observation area on the connector between the new and old terminal so there are still plane spotting opportunities, not to mention the park just north of the airport.
I think folks need to remember how utterly awful the terminal piers could get on a regular basis. People packed in around the gates with everyone arriving and departing having to push their way through lines for the meager food options. Not much seating during peak times and there weren’t really empty gates to park oneself out of the way. The new system takes some getting used to but I think it’s a smart way to spread folks out a bit. Like many airports, National could use some better food options and will have lines at times, but in my experience the change is working out pretty well and solves some of the pre-9/11 design problems.
New food options are coming shortly!
https://wtop.com/business-finance/2023/04/dc-airports-get-new-concessions-including-a-dc-michelin-recognized-restaurant/
Compass Coffee
Dos Toros Taqueria
Atlas Brew Works
Zeke’s Coffee
Cava Mezze Grill
Half Moon Empanadas
Better indeed, but hardly world class.
DCA-based Delta flyer here. Maybe this is just me, but I’m a big fan of the layout. I always just ask my Uber driver to drop me right by the south checkpoint, as Delta uses B gates and the Sky Club is there as well. Maybe this is PreCheck+ Clear privilege, but I can leave my apartment in Arlington, and be at a gate in 20 minutes… can’t think of any other airport of the same size where this is possible.
And just a few minutes longer for me coming from Capitol Hill via surface streets to the bridge. Dropped off on the alternate site and walk in. Still going to try the. south next early morning flight then walk the length of National Hall to the new Admiral’s Club
Oh man, I think DCA is the ideal airport. There may be a bit more walking, but security always seems really efficient. I’d imagine a larger proportion of travelers at DCA have precheck than any other airport, and everyone always seems to know what they’re doing. It’s probably the most perfect airport in the United States. Well served, good amenities, quick and frequent public transportation to the city center.
I visited the airport via the Metro back in 2018 (have never flown in/out). Got off of the Metro and was able to get into the terminal to see planes prior to the security area. Is this still the case?
No
Commuting out of DCA I’m a big fan of all the piers being behind security together. When I have to bounce between Delta and American trying to get to work it’s a huge improvement.
That being said you do have to learn to work the airport a bit. Especially with security being far from ideal.
If at all possible, avoid the check in desks to reduce your walk. If flying Delta or United get dropped at the very first door upstairs which is right next to the escalators down to security. Flying Jet Blue or American from the C wing its up in the air as that’s pretty much in the middle. Flying American as a general rule get dropped at the very last door upstairs which is again right next to the escalators down. Following this strategy can really help minimize your walk.
I love the new layout, but I’m a connecting AA flyer. I hated the busses before and would prefentially leave security and go back through when I could. I now actively seek connections here rather than CLT or PHL when traveling east of the Mississippi.
It’s all about the easy metro access. Love it.
Favorite airport in the world, near my favorite city in the world. Views are great, especially at night. Views from the UC are great. I only wish the outdoor deck at the UC was opened.
It’s heaven compared to the third world terminal of the 60s and 70s. I worked there in 1972-1973 and believe me it was a pit. I love the new terminal.
The airport was changed first and foremost to serve the airport, the airlines, the airport vendors and the TSA. Plenty of passengers will also benefit from the new arrangement although I’m expecting the extremes of what goes on at DCA to get worse over time,
So the workaround is if you are flying out of Terminal 2 on any other airline except American then enter through the south check point at door 1 or 2. If flying out from American then enter at door 6 because they have most of the northern gates (E/D)
I actually really love the changes, but dca is my home airport and I’m loyal to a fault.
As far as picking up passengers I don’t like the fact that you can’t go into the main hall anymore and wait at a restaurant. Also agree it’s more walking esp Jet Blue, I was wondering how older flyers deal with it if family can’t at least meet them at the pier?