Spring Travel Airport Tips

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is expecting a busy summer season to start with spring travel in April. The Airports Authority is offering advice to area travelers coming to Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports.

"We anticipate a strong spring travel season this year and ask our passengers to arrive early and be patient as we continue improvements at Dulles. At Reagan National, parking will be in high demand at certain times of the week. Planning ahead can make for an easier trip through our airports," says Airports Authority President/CEO James E. Bennett.

The Airports Authority offers these travel tips:

Parking at Reagan National Airport -

Passengers are encouraged to call ahead to check on the status of available parking at Reagan National Airport. Daily parking is most heavily used on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Economy Parking is often full on the weekends. The spring break period during the week of April 4th may fill the parking facilities at Reagan National.

A 24-hour parking information line is staffed to provide current status of available spaces. That number is 703-417-PARK or 703- 417-7275.

Travelers may also want to consider using Metro as an easy alternative to driving and parking at the Airport over this holiday period.

Before You Go to the Ticket Counter -

Make sure the security screeners can examine your suitcase.
To avoid lines at the ticket counter, consider using the airline ticket kiosk if you have an e-ticket.
Be sure to have a boarding pass BEFORE you leave the ticketing area to show at the security-screening checkpoint.
A government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license or Passport is required of passengers over age 18.

Before You Go to the Security Checkpoint-

Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. Visit www.TSATraveltips.us for a complete list.
Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, and accessories that contain metal and may set off the alarm at screening checkpoints. Be prepared to remove your shoes.
Put cameras and undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage some undeveloped film.
Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases.
Place identification tags inside and outside of all of your baggage. Don't forget your laptop computer; be sure to put an i.d. label on the computer and the carrying case. Laptops must be removed from its case to pass through screening.

Arrive early --

Travelers are urged to arrive at the airport at least 1 ½ hours before domestic flights and 2 ½ hours before international flights to allow enough time for ground transportation, parking, luggage check-in and security screening.

Use PAY & GO Dulles International-

Drivers who park at Dulles Airport should take their parking ticket with them and use the Pay & Go machines as they exit the Terminal building. Pay & Go machines are located in the lower level of the Terminal near the east and west exit doors. The machines accept $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills and MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover Card and Diners Club credit cards.

Once the ticket is paid at the Pay & Go machine in the Terminal, drivers exit at the Pay & Go lanes with the paid ticket without having to stop at the cashier booth. Free Airport shuttle buses operate between the economy lots to the terminals. For parking information at Dulles, please call 703-572-4500.

Call In Before Check-In-

Call your airline's 800 number or check the website to confirm your flight or to verify security regulations related to checked baggage.

Take Metro

Travelers using National Airport often find Metro a good alternative to driving. The Airports Authority also encourages Dulles passengers to consider taking Metro to the West Falls Church Station and connecting to the Washington Flyer Bus to Dulles.

Try the Washington Flyer or Super Shuttle Service-

Consider using the Washington Flyer express bus service from the Metro West Falls Church Station to Dulles Airport. For information about this service, please call 703- 685-1400 or 1-888-WASHFLY. In addition, Super Shuttle provides door-to-door shared-ride service to the airports. Call 1-800-BLUEVAN. For more information on these services, log onto www.washfly.com.

Travel wisely-- Carry medicine, cash, jewelry and other important valuables with you on the plane. If you leave your car at the airport, remove any valuables. Carry your purse and wallet securely, and keep your luggage and carry-on items in your sight at all times. Under security procedures unattended bags and other items will be confiscated and destroyed.