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Guide to TSA wait times at Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport

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    Quick insights

    • Wait times at Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA) vary based on factors like the time of day, week and year.
    • Peak travel times at DCA include holidays and legislative sessions as well as early morning and late afternoon hours.
    • Programs like TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR Plus can help reduce security wait times at the airport.

    Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA) is located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington, D.C. It is one of the three major airports serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and one of the busiest airports in the U.S.

    When it opened in 1941, it served 344,257 passengers during its first year. The airport now sees more than 25 million passengers annually. If you’re one of those passengers, you may be wondering how quickly you’ll be able to get through DCA’s security checkpoints. Read on to learn more.

    TSA wait times at DCA

    DCA is the closest airport to the nation's capital, making it a popular choice for business travelers and tourists alike. This often leads to high passenger volumes—especially during peak travel periods like holidays and legislative sessions—which can impact security wait times.

    Typically, security wait times are longer during early morning and late afternoon hours, which coincides with the surge of business travel.

    The airport has two terminals and three security checkpoints:

    • Terminal 1 (serving A gates): Open from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Terminal 2 South (serving B, C, D, and E gates): Open from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Terminal 2 North (serving B, C, D, and E gates): Open from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    DCA opened two 50,000-square-foot security checkpoint buildings in November 2021 to help address terminal congestion. The buildings allow passengers to move freely between gate areas without having to be re-screened once they’re through security checkpoints.

    How early to arrive at DCA

    DCA offers flights to domestic and international destinations. For domestic flights, TSA guidance suggests arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to the departure time. For international flights, the recommended arrive time is 3 hours prior to departure.

    Checking wait times at DCA

    Travelers passing through DCA can check TSA wait times several ways:

    • Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Website: The MWAA website provides real-time updates on security wait times at DCA. This is information is managed by the airport authority and updated frequently.
    • MWAA Mobile App: The MWAA mobile app provides real-time security wait times at D.C. airports as well as terminal maps, flight status updates and information about airport services.
    • TSA App: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a mobile app, called MyTSA, which provides estimated wait times at security checkpoints across U.S. airports, including DCA. These estimates are based on historical data and user-submitted reports, not real time data.

    Keep in mind, these tools provide estimates. Actual wait times can change while you’re at the airport. Arriving at the airport well in advance of a flight can help travelers avoid potential issues that can arise from fluctuating security wait times.

    How to expedite wait times at DCA

    DCA airport participates in a few programs that can help to expedite security and screening processes at the airport. They include:

    TSA PreCheck

    TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) run by the TSA. TSA PreCheck status can help streamline your airport experience by allowing you to access designated security screening lanes. You must enroll in the program, pay a fee and be approved before you can use designated TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport.

    CLEAR Plus

    CLEAR is a private security company that offers a membership called CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus uses biometric data to help expedite the identity verification part of the security screening process. Once verified, travelers can proceed to luggage screening lanes.

    CLEAR Plus can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, but they are separate programs.

    What to do at DCA airport

    DCA offers a variety of amenities and activities to help travelers pass the time at the airport. Here are some things you can enjoy and do at DCA:

    • Dining: DCA features a wide range of dining choices, from quick snacks to full-service, sit down restaurants.
    • Shopping: The airport houses a variety of shops where travelers can purchase books, electronics, luxury goods and souvenirs, including D.C. themed gifts and memorabilia.
    • Art and exhibits: There are several permanent and rotating art exhibits that reflect the culture and history of the Washington, D.C. area.
    • Yoga Room: Located in Terminal B, the yoga room offers a tranquil space for passengers to stretch, meditate or practice yoga. It is equipped with yoga mats, so no need to bring your own.

    In summary

    Travelers arriving at DCA may experience longer TSA wait times during peak travel times. Due to its proximity to Washington D.C., DCA is often busiest during early morning and late afternoon hours, thanks in part to a surge of business travelers. Summers and legislative sessions can also be peak travel times. Having CLEAR Plus and/or TSA PreCheck may help provide an expedited experience when going through TSA checkpoints.  

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