Presidential Inauguration: DC Metro Airports Say Prepare for Crowds Jan. 19-22

Passengers at Reagan National and Dulles International Airports should be prepared for additional crowds and congestion from Thursday, Jan. 19, through Sunday, Jan. 22, for the 2017 Presidential Inauguration, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced Wednesday. While the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority does not anticipate any unusual operational issues during this time, an influx of passengers may produce longer-than-usual wait times at airline ticket counters and security checkpoints, and congestion on airport roads.

In honor of the inauguration, Reagan National Airport is offering all-day parking in its garages only on Jan. 20 for $10. Garages B and C are connected to the Reagan National Airport Metrorail Station. Reservations are required and the promotion is limited to the first 1,200 bookings. To take advantage of this promotion visit flyreagan.com/parking, select the Reserve Your Parking Online link and enter “INAUG” in the promo code box.

The airports experienced heavy passenger traffic on the day following the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, MWAA noted. This year, the Airports Authority is working with airlines and airport partners to assist in alleviating any congestion associated with passengers traveling during the inauguration. Flights arriving before the Jan. 20 Inauguration Day may create crowded roadways. Airport police will be on hand to monitor the curbsides and roads to ensure traffic is moving in passenger drop-off areas. Ground transportation options are available at the Reagan National and Dulles International websites. Additionally, drivers are encouraged to avoid airport roads if they do not have business at the airport.

Saturday, Jan. 21, and Sunday, Jan. 22, are expected to be busy days at Reagan National and Dulles International as inauguration visitors check out of hotels and travel to the airports. While airport staffing will be optimized on this date, passengers are asked by MWAA to follow these important travel tips:

• Check in online and print your boarding pass before coming to the airport.
• Before checking out and departing your hotel, check with your airline to ensure your flight is on time. Some hotels may offer extended check-out times at no additional charge.
• Rebooking flights will be easier to do by phone or online versus waiting in line at the airport ticket counter. This is especially true during inclement weather.
• Arrive at the airport between two and four hours before your flight. Arriving too early could contribute to unnecessary crowding, while arriving too late could jeopardize your flight plans.

Here are some additional tips from MWAA to speed your travel through the terminals:

• If you park in the airport lots or garages, consider reserving your parking. Also, take your ticket with you. Using pre-payment machines before reaching your car allows for a speedy exit through “Prepaid” lanes at Reagan National and “Pay and Go” lanes at Dulles.
• The airports participate in TSA Pre-Check (TSA Pre✓™) and CLEAR, which offers dedicated security queues and an expedited screening process.
• Dulles has real-time security wait times available on your smartphone or tablet and on displays near the checkpoints. All Dulles security checkpoints are connected beyond security, so passengers can select the one with the shortest wait time.
• Need help while you’re at the airport? Visit the airport information counters staffed by Travelers Aid volunteers wearing blue blazers and visit FlyReagan or FlyDulles.

PHOTO of Reagan National courtesy of MWAA