Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Review

When I was planning my trip to Washington, DC, I got some conflicting advice as far as which airport to use.  Two people, one who lives in the area and one who used to live in Baltimore, suggested that I use Dulles.  My cousin, who is a frequent business traveller, suggested that I use National.  He stressed the convenience of it.  Since he and I generally think a lot alike, and I greatly value convenience, I chose National.  Fortunately for me, I made the right choice.

Reagan National isn't all that big of an airport.  If you've ever flown to New Orleans, it's comparable in terms of size and amount of traffic.  The terminals aren't really long, so you don't have to walk a mile and a half to get to and from your plane.  There aren't the number of shops and restaurants that the big hub airports have, but I wasn't there long enough to care.

I was thoroughly impressed by the convenience and efficiency of Reagan National.  When I got off my plane there, I went to the baggage claim area and experienced a lifetime first for me; luggage from my flight had already been unloaded and was on the baggage carousel.  I waited maybe two minutes to get my suitcase.  I then headed right up to the metro station located at the airport, waited maybe five minutes for a train, and got to my hotel in no time.  You can't beat that.

If you're flying to DC, you could use Dulles or BWI (Baltimore), but I simply can't imagine why.  If I ever go back, there will be no debate for me.  I'm definitely flying to Reagan National.