3boyz

Any of you DC regulars have a feel for what the airports are like over Thanksgiving, specifically Regan National?? S is leaving dinner time on Tuesday (and returning early evening Sunday). Our advice is get their early and prepare to wait in line at security. What kind of places are there for him to eat at??? Any other suggestions??
Thanks!!

AUTransfer

The airports are busy just like any other. His outgoing flight is going to cause the most problems, its when every student and working professional in the DC Metro decides to leave (me included -- wasn't a smart move). National is completely unpredictable when it comes to lines. I've gone in and breezed through from printing my ticket to the gate in five minutes, and I've had the same trip at the same time be 45 minutes long for security. But yes, I would get there an hour and a half early at least. He should also anticipate that he will be hitting metro center (assuming he's taking metro) at rush hour before a holiday -- trains will be full of cranky people, many with luggage and he should anticipate missing a train when he transfers lines.

As for eats: it really all depends on what terminal he's in.
Terminal A is barren. It only has 6 gates and nearly all of them go to Northwest (now Delta) flights. There is only a little cafe serving bagels, juice etc.

B and C offer Fudruckers, Five Guys, Cinnabon, Panda Express, Dunkin' Doughnuts, Auntie Annes Pretzels etc.

mini

Our D usually flies in and out of BWI (much cheaper from the NW). I would suggest that your son pack some food and be prepared to wait. Good Luck.
Our D is staying in DC and going to my mom's, her older sister is taking the train into DC from Princeton on tues or Wed, I am not sure which.
Ellen

Nic89

I fly in and out of Reagan somewhat regularly, I would advise he be prepared to wait at least 30 mins. - he might not have to but never hurts to leave extra time. Extra important is to leave extra travel time if he is taking the metro, thats what always seems to take the longest especially around the holidays when lots of people will have luggage and be traveling. Once in the terminal he will no doubt find plenty to eat if hungry. There are lots of tables set up in addition to chairs to sit around while waiting and they have a five guys (burgers I think, I'm not sure lol), California Tortilla, Aunt Annie's, a salad/wrap/sushi place and a small store with candy/magazines etc. to take on the plane.

ginger2

my D is flying home on Wednesday( the worst day!) at 10:15am from Dulles she is planning to take a taxi to the airport at 7am do you know if there are others options than a cab and do you know how much it will cost her approximatively? also do you think leaving 3 hours before on that specific day it's enough time? thak you for your answers.

Nic89

I don't travel to Dulles so I can't speak to how quickly things are there, but are you aware of how far Dulles is from AU? Taking traffic into account its about an hour ride(Maybe 45 minutes if your very lucky, 35 if you hit absolutely no traffic), your D may want to consider alternative transportation as an hour long cab ride will be very costly!

dudedad

I would guess it would be about $60 from AU to Dulles. Check this out though:

Metrorail and Metrobus

Still a hassle to get to Dulles from DC. If it we me/my student I's just setttle on the cab or see if someone can give a ride.

Happy TG!!!!

boysx3

son got home last night! Not one hitch in his travels...couldn't believe it! We ate at a new chinese restaurant, and then he crashed. It's wonderful just to watch him sleep, remember doing that when they were newborns?

khsstitches

Took D about 13 hours due to being bumped (she was on standby) but finally home late Tuesday night :-).

ginger2

D is finally home!!!!!!!! we are so happy!!!!