With heavy traffic expected, passengers urged to plan ahead, follow tips for an easier journey

With over 50 million passengers traveling through Washington’s airports in 2024, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is preparing for record travel volumes throughout the upcoming holiday season. During busy weekends and holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, passengers may experience heavily congested airport-area roads, limited parking availability and bustling terminals. Customers are advised to consider these tips for a smooth and stress-free journey.

Airport Arrival Time

Passengers are advised to enter the terminal at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights. For international flights, passengers should enter three hours in advance.

Navigating Airport Parking and Roadways  

  • Reserve parking at Reagan National or Dulles International in advance to guarantee space. Customers with reservations can park even if the garage or lot signs say full.
  • Passengers can be dropped off and picked up from the departures level and the arrivals level at Dulles International. All entrance doors lead to all parts of the terminal.
  • Passengers departing from Terminal 2 at Reagan National can use Express Passenger Drop Off near the Metro station to expedite their travel experience. Follow the purple signs.
  • Drivers parking in garages at Dulles International can save time by taking the Aviation Drive exit from the airport access highway marked “Garage Parking,” turning right and following signs to avoid terminal-area roadway congestion (see graphic below).

graphic of Dulles map showing route to Garage 1 and 2

“Dulles has many options to lessen airport traffic directly around the airport during the busy travel season,” said Richard Golinowski, Airports Authority vice president and airport manager of Dulles International. “We have a Cell Phone Lot and Kiss and Fly zone where passengers can be dropped off near the metro station. Drivers should not circle the airport roadways or park on the side of the road, as it contributes to traffic congestion. As always, please consider using the Silver Line Metro stop during peak hours instead of driving to the airport.”

Use Metro to Avoid Roadway Congestion  

“We encourage passengers to take advantage of Reagan National Airport's convenient location along Metro's Blue and Yellow lines because parking is expected to be extremely limited," said Terry Liercke, Airports Authority vice president and airport manager of Reagan National. “Consider alternate methods of accessing the airport during the busy holiday season. Once inside, customers will find new restrooms, concessions and other convenient amenities. We are excited for these changes and look forward to continuing to upgrade the customer experience."  

Save Time at U.S. Customs and TSA Checkpoints

  • Eligible travelers at Dulles International can utilize the free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) smart-phone app to streamline the entry process into the United States.  
  • Live security wait times are available for all screening checkpoints at Reagan National. The wait times are posted on signs near each checkpoint, online and on the DC Airports mobile app.
  • TSA recommends enrolled travelers to use its expedited TSA PreCheck screening program to reduce wait times at checkpoints. Dulles International has a dedicated PreCheck screening area on the Departures level. Reagan National has PreCheck lanes at each TSA checkpoint.  
  • To ensure a smooth trip through TSA checkpoints, passengers should empty their luggage before packing to make sure no prohibited items, including firearms or ammunition, are brought to the checkpoint. Passengers can go online in advance to verify “what can I bring,” ask TSA questions via chat or request special services.
  • People often travel with food items during the holiday travel period. Solid food is fine to go through a security checkpoint, however foods that are liquids or spreadable should be checked. Unsure if an item is considered a liquid or spreadable? If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump or pour it, then the item should be packed in a checked bag.

Links to Other Resources for Customers