The 2023 holiday travel season is upon us, and we're here to share tips and information to help you make the most of your airport visit during this festive season.

Airport Arrival Time

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to catch flights on time, passengers are advised to arrive inside the terminal at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights. 

For international flights, passengers should arrive three hours in advance.

Reserve Parking  

Reserve parking in advance to guarantee a space. Customers with reservations can park even if the garage or lot signs say full.  

NEW! Use Kiss & Fly Drop-off to Save Time

Driving to Dulles? Our new “Kiss & Fly” drop-off point is located at the Dulles Silver Line Metro station, which provides easy access to moving walkways that will take passengers straight to the terminal. Follow "Kiss & Fly" signs and avoid curbside congestion. 

Hide related content
Off
Editorial Section(s)
Dulles International Airport
Travel Information
use metro holiday
Use Metro to Avoid Roadway Congestion

The Silver Line Metrorail station is connected to the main terminal through a pedestrian walkway with moving sidewalks.

  • Metro Fares - cost to ride
     
  • Rider Guide - from detailed information about Metro bus stops and rail stations — to helpful tips about how to report a lost item.
     
  • Schedules & Maps - trip planning tools and service alerts for trips on Metrorail and Metrobus.
tsa holiday 2023
Prepare for Security Screening at TSA Checkpoints
  • Our main terminal allow customers a choice of whichever checkpoint is more convenient. 
     
  • TSA recommends enrolled travelers use its expedited TSA PreCheck screening program to reduce wait times through checkpoints. Dedicated PreCheck screening area is located on the Departures level. 
     
  • Passengers can review TSA’s database of prohibited items and request special services in advance.
wait times holiday 2023
Reduce Wait Times in Customs
  • Eligible travelers can utilize the free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to streamline the entry process into the United States.
     
  • Global Entry travelers can use a mobile application to expedite their arrival.
     
valet holiday 2023
Valet Parking: Curbside Drop-Off

Valet parking returned in April 2023. Customers can make a reservation in advance or simply follow signs to drop off their vehicles along the Departures curb. 

  • CURBSIDE VALET PARKING RATES
    • Day 1: $39 
    • Day 2 and subsequent: $10 per hour to a maximum of $39
    • All major credit cards and cash accepted.
       
  • VALET VEHICLE DROP-OFF
    • Curbside Vehicle Drop-Off:  Located on the Departures Level Curb in Departures Zone 3, is open between the hours of 4:00 AM and 10:00 PM. The curbside drop-off location is only a few steps away from the Airport entrance, airline ticket counters and TSA PreCheck security entrance.
      Pull up to the curbside drop-off and leave your car with our friendly, trained valet agents.
    • Alternative Vehicle Drop-Off: The Valet Service Center, located in the Terminal Lot, is open 24 hours a day for vehicle drop-offs at any time
amenities holiday 2023
Enjoy New Amenities and Concessions
  • Sunflower lanyards are now available. Under this internationally recognized program, passengers with hidden disabilities can receive assistance discreetly from airport staff.
    • Lanyards can be picked up from the USO Lounge, across from Baggage Claim 12, or the Information Desks, by Baggage Claims 6 and 11, between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM 
      daily. 
  • Our newest lounge, Capital One Lounge, is now open. The lounge has healthy grab-and-go options, locally sourced small bites, a specialty coffee bar and a full-service bar, as well as a suite of premium amenities and seating, ample workspaces, children’s play area and a parent room. 
    • Location: Main Terminal just beyond TSA PreCheck security with access from Z-Gates, through an escalator or lift
    • Hours: Daily 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

  • New concessions: Rusty Taco, (D-gates) and Hudson Nonstop, Cacao Chaser (A-Gates) Eden’s Boutique, Cacao Chaser, Cava (B-gates). 

     

holiday
Order from your phone: Skip The Wait!

Skip the wait this holiday season and order now from your phone! Fuel up before your next flight and enjoy contactless pick-up when you order ahead with IADordernow.com

entertainment
Holiday Entertainment Schedule at Dulles
  • Enchant Christmas = Illuminated Winter Wonderland (Display Now Available) - East Security check point entrance
  • Wednesday, December 6 = Magician (9am - 12pm) - Kids' Play Area, Concourse B, near gate B70
  • Thursday, December 7 = Saxophonist (1pm - 4pm) - West Security entrance
  • Wednesday, December 13 = Orchestra by J. Michael Lunsford Middle School (10am) - West Security entrance
  • Thursday, December 14  = Jazz Ensemble by Stone Bridge High School (1pm) - West Security entrance
  • Friday, December 15 =  Hot Cocoa Bar (9am - 11am) - Concourse B near Capitol Grounds   
  • Monday, December 18 = Strings by Hixter Middle School (11am) - West Security entrance
  • Tuesday, December 19 = Strings by Harmony Middle School (11am) - West Security entrance
  • Wednesday, December 20 = Holiday Choir by FUM Church (3pm) - West Security entrance
  • Thursday, December 21 = Santa Visit (9am)
     
homeland security
See Something, Say Something

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. 

Airports are key points of access for traffickers and we are bringing awareness to this very important issue. 

  • To report suspected human trafficking to Federal law enforcement: Call 1-866-347-2423
  • To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888
    • or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)
Banner image
hm_landing_page_22-mwaa-102-holiday_2280x800.jpg
Subtitle
There's Magic in the Air