Holiday Travel Survival Tips for Washington National and Dulles Airports

By Jennifer van der Kleut

Traveling during the holidays may not be fun, but it's usually worth it to get to see loved ones during one of the most special times of the year.

Because the time between the weeks of Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is the busiest travel time of the year for the greater Washington area — more than 1 million passengers are expected to pass through Dulles and National airports over the next four to five weeks — the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority offered the following tips to try to limit the chaos for holiday travelers.

Holiday Parking Deals at Dulles

Passengers who park in the Dulles garages for four or more consecutive days between Nov. 22 and Dec. 2 can receive one of the four days free. Customers should print the coupon found at flydullesinternational.com and present it to the cashier when leaving the garage in order to take advantage of the deal. 

Get Instant Updates on Airport Conditions

Ronald Reagan Washington National and Dulles International will frequently update their social media accounts with travel tips and conditions to help passengers better navigate the airports. Passengers can follow each airport on Twitter @Dulles_Airport and @Reagan_Airport or like the Dulles Facebook page and the Reagan National Facebook page.

Get Started Early

For travelers, the Thanksgiving holiday started Friday, Nov. 22, and will last through Monday, Dec. 2. Peak travel times are typically from 5:30 to 8 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. There could also be a midday peak from around 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The airport authority advises passengers to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, especially during those peak times.

Additionally, Airport Ambassadors wearing distinctive yellow shirts and Travelers Aid volunteers wearing blue blazers will be available to give directions, answer questions and offer assistance to passengers.

Try Something New:

According to the airport authority, new and existing airlines have added flights at both Washington National and Dulles International airports.

Additional security screening lanes are available, and TSA Pre-Check security checkpoints have expanded at both airports. Learn more about TSA Pre-Check on the Transportation Security Administration website.

Additional Travel Tips:

• Confirm the status of your flight with your airline before coming to the airport. Weather around the DC area or in other parts of the country can affect flight schedules across the air travel network.

• Print your boarding pass or select an electronic boarding pass in advance. If your boarding pass is marked with “TSA Pre✓,” proceed to the appropriate security checkpoint. This will save valuable time when moving through the airport.

• Bring a government-issued photo ID to the airport for all adult passengers.

• Expect full flights and full luggage bins onboard airplanes during the busiest days,  including the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving. Plan your trip accordingly.

• Pack wisely — don't put prohibited items or valuables in carry-on luggage. Label your luggage so your name is plainly visible.

• Dulles International travelers can check the wait times at the security checkpoints online and on their mobile devices at the Dulles website, and on large displays at the airport. The wait times are updated every minute and can help you make smarter decisions about the best way to get to your gate.

• Washington National customers should check parking availability online at www.mwaa.com/reagan or at 703-417-7275. Economy parking tends to fill up during holiday periods.

• Dining options are available both pre-security and post-security at Washington National and Dulles International. Enjoy a meal before your flight or order something to bring with you on the airplane. Shopping and dining guides are available at Reaganfoodandshops.com and at Dullesfoodandshops.com.

• For travelers not familiar with the airport, printable one-page information sheets are available in the “Travel Tips” section at Dulles International or Washington National Web pages.