Washington Dulles Airport review by Michael Steinfeld

23 August 2007   Customer Rating :

I am a Dulles employee, and can confirm that with the D2 Development, Dulles does have that construction feel to it. I believe that by 2009 with the opening of the new subway system, Dulles will become a much better airport that will amaze. The Airport Authority is currently undergoing many changes to improve passenger assistance in all aspects, and receiving new ideas each day. We understand that you have short layovers, or at least do not want to wait in a Customs Hall for hours. In Passport Control, we have tactics to move people to the lines where they will have the shortest wait. As with most plans, this is not always perfect; people change lines, officers need to close their desks for various reasons, people don't have their forms filled out, we may confuse line numbers, etc. I agree there is no excuse for a shortage of officers, and we have a lot of people that are trying to complain to CBP about that. It is absurd that you have to wait in line with your baggage for Customs, and we are going to try a different system with many improvements very soon (maybe a few weeks).

Washington Dulles Airport review by Brian Smith

1 February 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

Transited Dulles NRT-IAD-RDU over the Christmas holidays. It is a fairly basic airport, but from the looks of the construction cranes and the tunnel for the terminal connection trains, it could be a lot more convenient in the future. The buses are weird looking and odd, but they work. In terminal B where ANA leaves from, there were lots and lots of food options and a few shops. Yes, the duty free is pathetic. I guess there's just not enough demand? The United Express gate area (A) was excrutiating with fire alarms going off all the time, overused and very, very cramped, unlike the spacious terminal B. I will fly through IAD over ORD or JFK/EWR in the future despite it's drawbacks. Much more manageable than the other major hubs. The Tokyo ANA flight arrives early in the morning, so the immigration being crowded was not an issue. It was a ghost town.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Alasdair Brooks
29 January 2007

Arrived at Dulles from Sydney via Incheon. It wasn't a busy time for flights, and we arrived at immigration just as the last people from an Ethiopian flight cleared immigration, and were ourselves cleared just as a flight from Gatwick arrived. Yet despite being the only flight queueing up to clear, immigration was agonisingly slow. Initially, only 2 desks were processing non-citizens, and even after the citizen queues had cleared, at best only a third of desks were staffed. The problem wasn't that fingerprinting slows the processing of people down, nor was the problem devoting most resources to US citizens (a practice familiar in many western countries) - it was simple understaffing. Worse, in one case where a woman had been waiting in a sub-queue that she had been directed to by airline staff for half an hour, when she reached the front of that queue - and was at this point the last person waiting to be processed in her queue - the employee staffing that desk announced he was taking a coffee break, and forced the woman to join another queue. In last place. To his immense credit, our immigration official did his best to be friendly once he actually was able to process us, but at this point we'd been waiting for an hour and a half (this was when just one flight was being processed, remember), and were beyond caring. I frequently fly to the US, and this was the worst case of understaffing I've even seen at immigration - and it was during ordinary working hours. Compare this to my arrival back at Sydney in January where there were multiple flights arriving from Asia at the same time, and where I was processed through the non-citizen queue in 15 minutes. Leaving Dulles, on the other hand, was much easier. I went through security late morning (January 16), and there was almost no queue, which I realise is an uncommon experience, but I at least felt compensated for my dreadful arrival. Finding my gate was simplicity itself, and everything was well organised. The duty free shop is fairly pathetic, but Dulles shares that characteristic with most US airports.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Kuhan Kandiah
26 January 2007

Quick and easy transfer between the arrival gate and immigration on those huge buses. Immigration was fast and efficient with good timings for baggage clearance. Simple and easy airport to fly into.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Ray Shields
18 January 2007

Travelled thro IAD from London Heathrow on the 8 Dec 06 - not only was it horrendous it was very frightening in that a catastrophy almost occurred that could have caused serious injury. Upon arrival the immigration area for onward connections was packed to the rafters. I realised when I got to the top of the escalator that there was a major problem in that PAX at the bottom of the escalator were unable to move but PAX at the top had not yet become aware of this. I used the stairs down and could hear a lady frantically shouting for somebody to hit the emergency stop as people were beginnng to get crushed in the throng of passengers as the escalator continued to pile people into each other at the bottom - IAD staff could not have cared less and finally a PAX located and hit the emergency button and avoided what could clearly have been a very serious incident. Cleared immigration in a reasonable 50 mins.......then came the horror's of security. Having been stuck in an aircraft for 8 hours, following security at LHR, I really would like to know what the US security think we may have been able to add to our luggage and person during that time. IAD layout is totally illogical as you have to collect your luggage between the immigration and security - anybody travelling with hand luggage, as I was, has absolutely no chance of bypassing the copious amounts of PAX trying to retrieve luggage, scattered all around the floor, to take thro security. I was concerned as people were becoming very aggressive and the security made the situation far worse. There was a large family in front of me who had all their luggage piled on the carts only to be very abruptly told to return the cart and go to the back of the queue with their luggage. This family were on the verge of tears as they had already missed their connecting flight for their holiday to Orlando. I realised that these people did not have enough people to carry all their luggage. Security would not budge and were downright rude - no carts at all allowed into that area - any PAX with carts were made to return said cart and then join the queue again - no wonder it was getting nasty! I eventually made it through security and then ran to the moving lounger and onto my connecting flight where I could hear my name being called again and again. I actually boarded my connecting flight , after being pulled up by one of the airline staff at the bottom of the aircraft who was genuinely concerned that I was going to have a heart attack due to my running and being desperate to make my connection, as the pilot should have been leaving the runway! It was a vile start to my holiday and left me feeling quite sick on the flight down to Fort Myers. Never, ever, ever again will I take the LHR-IAD-RSW route. Please, if you have read this far and can make an alternative route then do so. IAD is a disgraceful, dank, dirty airport with disrespectful security staff and is an embarrassment to the USA.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Bob Motto
3 January 2007

I recently flew through IAD from LHR to AOO, once you have cleared Immigration & Customs you now have to go Land Side to re-check you baggage if you have a connecting flight! IAD no-longer have an airside check in for passengers with a domestic connection. For an international airport this is not good, the amount of international PAX who pass through here is very large, when I travelled there were a large number of PAX who were not able to make thier connections due to Airline Check In Queues & TSA Security which can take up to two hours. I will no-longer travel through IAD now & I recomend that any PAX who do have a domestic connection within the US avoid IAD at all costs.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Dale Mack
15 November 2006

Washington Dulles is a difficult airport for Carts are not plentiful, whole place is much too tight and crowded, Crowd management is horrible, eating places are stuck right out in the way of pedestrians. Security is cramped and hectic. All in all a miserable experience which I will not repeat.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Roger Pieters
15 November 2006

Arrived Washington Dulles last week at the United terminal after a flight from London. Arriving at this concourse had a dreary and dingy decor hall ,dull lounges. Worst thing at Washington Dulles is the derelict archaic looking so called mobile lounges, these things , which are generally large buses take you from terminal to terminal. The main terminal on arrival is spartan, in need of modernisation. Obviously the main terminal is an impressive building with a strikingly unique design from yesteryear, but in need of expansion to cope with post milenium passenger transiting. The positive side of Dulles are The United airlines terminal concourses, they are bright , contemporary offer exclusive shops and dining and excellent waiting areas. It looks as if by 2008 trains will be eventually replacing those awful mobile lounges, I think this is well overdue for what is supposed to be one of the worlds premiere airports.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Henry Osserman
26 August 2006

Transited Dulles earlier this month with United from Sao Paulo to LGA, NY. Landed about 6am and had the little people mover take us to the Main terminal for immigration. We beat the South African flight that had landed before us. First to go through immigration. Quick and painless and luggage not too far behind. priority bags did come through withthe first 5 mins. Then out the door after dropping off bags. Go upstairs to security, they have priority lanes though marked rather oddly since the priority lanes are in the middle of the security area, the line is on the far side. Looks confusing, but trust the signs. People mover took us back to the C Terminal area and headed for the United lounge. Nice terminal, nice lounge and loads of shopping, food, etc. I know it can be chaos during winter, but summer time was just fine. No delays, etc.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Mark Daniel
22 August 2006

In response to Jay Sitlani, people used to using Dulles or who live in the area know that it is important to arrive at least 3 hrs before departure. 2 hours just won't cut it at Dulles. Not to mention that the security problem is indeed being fixed, as a new security mezzanine is being built and will be open in 2009 along with the underground automated train system. Also, Dulles is THE main international airport for Washington, so if you plan to travel internationally, you will most likely use Dulles. And yes, passengers will have to arrive four hours prior to departure in the future (in fact many people do now!).

Washington Dulles Airport review by Mandy Pease
22 August 2006

Incoming to IAD at the end of July, I found the transfer from plane to immigration quick and efficient (sky lounge) and the expected queueing for immigration well-organised and fluid. The Immigration and TSA staff could not have been more helpful and welcoming, and although the baggage reclaim seemed a bit chaotic (you were not allowed to actually remove the bags yourself from the carousel, but had to wait until a member of staff had done so), we were 'processed' and out at the taxi rank in less than 45 minutes after landing.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Paul Teeuwen
20 May 2006

Maybe I was just lucky, but arriving from Amsterdam on UA had no problems with immigration and customs (out in 30 minutes). On departure (4.30PM on a Sunday) things were OK too, but I did notice the airport getting crowded soon after - maybe try to book early flights (4PM at the latest?). The shuttles are 'antique science fiction' but will be replaced in the next few years. The transportation with Metro and the bus to/from West Falls Church is acceptable, there are other airports which are far from the city. Bus drivers were friendly and Metro works well.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Cristiano Miro
13 May 2006

In regards to the comment by Jai Sitlani, Dulles is, indeed, a non- friendly user airport. The shuttle taking passengers to/from the main check-in area to the terminals, just makes IAD reminiscent to an airport of the 60's or 70's. Also, yes, the security line is atrociously long. However if you are a regular user of Dulles you should know to prepare yourself by giving plenty for checking, security, etc. And by the way, if you want a NON-STOP flight to Europe from Washington D.C., Dulles is about it.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Jay Sitlani
10 May 2006

Washington Dulles is by far the worst major city airport in the United States. Once again, arriving nearly 2 hours before a 6 pm departure was to naught as the lines for security which stretched twice around the 1200 foot main terminal fed into one main security check bank. Needless to say, this led to many frantic passengers (including myself) rueing the day we decided to opt for Dulles for our flights, and cursing both the airport and the dominant airline there for providing but 2 check-in staff for what appeared to be at least 250 people in the check-in line at any time. Dulles is under renovation and repair, but it doesn't look like the airport is doing anything to fix the security bottleneck problem. Even with the renovations all passengers have to go through one entry point for security checks. The airport has big signs everywhere proclaiming how they plan on handling 55 million passengers by the year 2009. I suspect we will all have to show up 4 hours prior to departure by then to make our flights. Between the 45 minute trip to Dulles from downtown Washington, DC, to the endless check-in and security delays, the long trudge to the mid-field terminals, and the absence of any viable internet facilities for business travellers (WiFi for instance). Even when flying internationally, its often better to take a connecting flight out of Washington National to any other airport on the east coast than suffer through Dulles' many indignities. And by the way, I did miss my flight.

Washington Dulles Airport review by C L Myles
18 April 2006

Dulles needs some good restaurants. Travellers to Europe on evening flights will need to check in around dinner time. But try to find a place that isn't fast food. If we have to get there early (and experience some of the longest security lines), they need to provide more services. Some airports, such as Vancouver, have a spa, so you can get a massage, manicure or pedicure. A not-so-great alternative is to check in, then grab a cab and go to Reston for dinner.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Daniel Mori
15 March 2006

Few airports suffer from well surpassed architecture as does IAD. The concourses I've seen (travelling both domestically and internationally; on United, Austrian and Lufthansa) are modest. Some of them (D, for example) are connected to the main terminal by obsolete, slow shuttles. When passengers are deplaning from a 747 the small, low built concourses become overcrowded. I get the feeling these concourses were designed for 707s and DC8s, and never upgraded when wide body, twin aisle jets were introduced. The signs around the main terminal are very poor and it takes time to find the proper baggage claim carousel. Three times it took so long to get from an ERJ145 (only 50 pax) to the baggage claim that we passengers with checked luggage found our bags already on the carousel. Good performance in terms of baggage delivery time, but useless because of slow passenger delivery! The terminal and concourses don't have many shops either: this, of course, doesn't really matter so much - IAD is an airport after all, not a mall. IAD still compares favourably with some major US airports like ATL or ORD.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Robert Dunford
29 January 2006

Not the worst airport, but not the best either. Main terminal is quite airy, although it does still have the feel of an airport used in a 1970s disaster movie. Still feels like it did in 1989. The space buggies really are a unique feature, and it'll be a shame when they do eventually go (unless you're in a rush to get a flight, of course). Security were a bit morose, though they seemed more friendlier when there were more people coming through for some reason. Concourses C and D really need some form of air conditioning and/or way to get some fresh air. If it's oppressive when it's 8pm in the middle of January, a hot day in July must be murder. Finally, it really needs a Washington metro stop ASAP - it's not easy to get to, and the airport authorities seem to know it. The Washington Flyer is a rip-off at $8 one way for a 20 minute journey, though not on a par with the offensively expensive Heathrow Express. The standard metro bus ($3) is better value but takes at least an hour to L'Enfant Plaza. And still has no space for luggage.

Washington Dulles Airport review by H J Albertse
19 December 2005

I just arrived back home from the States, using Dulles International for the first time as my point of entry-and exit. Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Dulles is not all that bad - unlike some user comments states. The mobile lounges sure seem crazy and surreal, but they get the job done. As Edward Jones pointed out, in a few years from now they will no longer be such a common sight at IAD. Usually first impressions last - the first and last site of the beautiful Main Terminal sure left me impressed. Accolades to IAD's Customs-and Immigration officers - you were the first officers that I have ever encountered upon entry into the USA that actually made me feel welcome to your country. This is unlike Atlanta and JFK (JFK Terminal 3 being the real culprit here) where the desks are always understaffed and some snotty woman yells at you as if you are a dog. Mind you, the one at JFK always seems to be there when South African Airways arrive in the early morning and deem it her duty to be as rude as possible. Back to IAD. Inside the Main Terminal, plans should be made to convert the check-in desks floor area to piers, rather than all the check-in counters set next to another - it seems cluttered; plain and simple. The same goes for the security screening area, where more space could / should be opened up. Why would you focus such a vital area to such a small piece of the terminal building? Admittedly there is a great deal of construction going on at Dulles and hopefully we will see a more user friendly airport arise. Unlike the wonderful B-terminal, which South African Airways uses, United's C-terminal sure is an eyesore. The ceilings are really low and without proper window areas, if there are any at all for that matter, create a truly claustophobic feeling. Compared to United's Chicago terminals, their Dulles B-terminal is virtually a hole in the ground. Sure, the airline has been in bankruptcy protection for a long time now - hopefully they will do at least something positive about one of their Dulles terminals when they eventually emerge. Regarding distance from downtown DC, people should stop complaining about it - it is not that bad. Washington National sure is a great airport to use and very convenient to-and from Downtown. However, Dulles truly is not that way out. I will use this airport again in the future - the trick is time management.

Washington Dulles Airport review by Vicky Hawkes
5 December 2005

First impression wasn't great; it took more than 2 and a half hours to clear immigration (non-US citizens), and I was queuing along with some very young, cranky children and senior citizens. One elderly gent was almost on the floor with fatigue before an INS employee agreed to commandeer a wheelchair and fast-track him through. By the time we got to baggage reclaim, our luggage had been accessible to anyone who had fancied stealing it for quite some time. Outbound flight was slightly better, although security was much tighter and INS employees were very rude to a couple in front on me whose first language was obviously not English. Food and drink facilities weren't bad in departures - there were a couple of nice bars in which to while away the time! The Washington Flyer bus staff were extremely friendly and courteous; although navigating the Metro for the first time at West Falls Church is a bit daunting if you don't know what you're doing!

Washington Dulles Airport review by Edward Jones
6 November 2005

I first used IAD in 1966 when it was a white elephant out in the Virginia countryside which neither the airlines, nor the members of Congress, nor the general public wanted to use. In the last twenty years due to vastly improved air service I have used IAD on a very regular basis. An airport cannot go from three million passengers a year to the projected twenty-seven million passengers in 2005 without a lot of growing pains. Nevertheless, I can't say that the negative comments posted here reflect my experiences at IAD. Most recently on October 6 I flew to London on United using the morning flight. Parking in the economy lot was fine, security was no problem, and I had plenty of time to relax in the Red Carpet Club prior to my flight. On October 20 I returned to IAD on the late afternoon United flight from LHR. Again, no problems. I got through passport control and customs quickly. I waited only a few minutes for the shuttle to the economy parking lot. True, both my departure and return flights were during the airport's less busy times, but I have also flown out of Dulles at peak times and encountered no problems. I simply allow more time. As for the staff at IAD, I have found everyone from the airlines, TSA, and INS helpful and polite. I have no horror stories to tell. After many years of neglect by the federal government due to political issues that are too complex to discuss here, IAD is going through a three billion dollar renovation and reconstruction. For instance, the much maligned "mobile lounges" will be pretty much gone in a few years' time and replaced by an automated people mover system. Is IAD one of the world's great airports? Definitely not. Will it be one after its redevelopment? I don't think so. But it will be a better airport.

Washington Dulles Airport review by L Whitman
24 October 2005

It seems that the majority here have a negative opinion of IAD. So do I. I live in DC.. and while Dulles is typically less expensive and offers more nonstops than Reagan, it is a place to be avoided, if at all possible. Recently, I arrive 2 hours early for a domestic flight - and missed it. 45 minutes in line for the United "fast" auto ticket machine, another 50 minutes in the security line, and then the dreaded bus ride to the terminal. But with this said, IAD is really the only choice for international departures (BWI offers a few.. but just a few). So, just grin and bear it.. Arrive much earlier than you had anticipated -- 3 hours for departures in the 4-6p zone. Don't expect any sympathy or special attention if you're late for your flight. It's you own fault for not getting to the airport early enough -- which is unpredictably closer to 3 hours, than 2 hours. Yeah, and what's up with the security people?? What ever happened to being nice? It seems that the Dulles force tends to be a little more abrasive that forces at other airports. I see them as a service group - but they seem to think of themselves as FBI agents. With that said, I'm not sure that anyone at Dulles gives a damn about the travelers. People will continue to fly - and it's just not possible to avoid Dulles altogether. And, I think they're okay with this status.

Washington Dulles Airport review byMichael Sheridan
8 August 2005

Dulles security (in fact everything about IAD) is horrible. I live locally to it, but had similar experience picking up an ageing and ill older parent. The security cop (best described as ****), essentially threatened us with a ticket or worse - as I was escorting an 80 year old to my car. These people need to be brought under control as they are arrogant bullies. The airport itself can at times reach the level of Delhi or some other worst - overcrowded, poor transportation, filthy terminals, restrooms, etc. The so-called improvements has been 10 years in the making with essentially no progress other than linking part of the terminal to underground passenger ways. Other than that the taxpayers have nothing to show for their money.

Washington Dulles Airport review byMichael Clelland
2 August 2005

Have recently returned to the UK from a trip to Florida (MCO) via IAD on both legs. Had previously used IAD on a trip to Washington and had very bad memories of the mobile lounge experience and two hours in the immigration queue (pre-9/11). Connection this time round was excellent. Not sure if this is because I was transiting from one UA flight to another but it took all of 15 minutes to clear immigration and to recheck bags after clearing customs. Return trip to LHR via IAD was even easier.

Washington Dulles Airport review byAnna Rowe
8 July 2005

Had the misfortune to have 4 flights to/from here recently. Arrival from an international flight was the most painful of all experiences with a 2.5hr wait at passport control. It was appalling, esp as there was only 1 person working on the side for non- american citizens!! Returned to the airport to fly to/from florida, and check in was easy. Although I was glad i had left almost 3 hours to get my flight, security took almost 1.5 hours. Despite the massive queues only 2 scanners were open, when the capicity is obviously at least 10 times this. The lounge buses are certainly an interesting concept - to a brit, and seem to work ok, although I wish I'd known there was virtually nothing at my departure terminal! Similiar problems were seen when i flew back into IAD, for a connecting flight to the UK. This time the lounge buses were a nightmare, one narrowly missing driving into the path of a taking off plane!! As I hadn't checked in online for my BA flight, i had to fight my way back to check in, not helped by fairly useless sign posting. Then, yet again had to face the dreaded security queue, which was worse than the previous time. Having finally got through that, I was grateful that I was there early enough to use the BA lounge, and to get a seat - due to the refurbishment it got very crowded very quickly. Would have been nice if there had been shower facilities too. All in all, really would avoid if possible!

Washington Dulles Airport review byRod Neep
8 July 2005

Frankly, a nightmare of a place. Whatever you do, don't book a connecting flight without at least three hours to spare. You won't make it! Immigration is awful and takes ages with huge long queues, and then you suffer the indignity of being fingerprinted and having your photo taken. A notice warns you that you cannot complain about anything to do with immigration otherwise you will be arrested and deported. And yet they take about an hour and a half or more to clear you through immigration after a long flight from the UK. Customs and baggage transfer is a nightmare too. First try and find your luggage, and then queue for another hour to go through customs. After all of which, you find that you have two minutes left to go to the other end of the airport in a different terminal to make your connecting flight. (That's was one with a two and a half hour window from arrival). The airline desk to arrange an alternative connecting flight had a queue of hundreds of people, which the staff were getting through at a rate of 1 every 5 minutes. You work it out how long that queue would take to go down! A stressful experience in every way. A nightmare. My recommendation would be to avoid Dulles at all costs if you have to connect to somewhere else in the USA.

Washington Dulles Airport review byB Gordon

29 June 2005

Recently went through Dulles twice and it's awful. For an International airport and the Hub of United airlines I would not choose to use it again. There are far too many flights landing loaded up with passengers! Surely it can't be a surprise that 5 international flights all arrived at the same time and that most people were in transit. The immigration desks are sooo slow you're almost guaranteed to miss your connection even with a two hour stop. Then you carry all your baggage from the carosels and back through security. It was like the crush at the front of the stage at a boyband concert.

Washington Dulles Airport review bySam Healey

23 April 2005

Arrival into Dulles was actually okay; once on the lunar buggy type bus it quickly got us to immigration and customs. Immigration was okay and we didn't have to wait too long to be seen by said official. Luggage had been taken off the carousel and set out on the floor so it was only a matter of seconds to find our bags and head for ground transportation. The whole process of going through arrivals to ground transportation this time took around 45 minutes; somewhat of a record!. For an international airport though, some areas are lacking not least of all a lack of a METRO service to Dulles aiport. There are other issues that should be addressed as well. When we used the BA check in on departure from Dulles your bags are weighed and tagged. Once that's done you have to then take bags over to the TSA security line for x-raying (its not too far to walk but its far enough). Why have the powers that be still not figured out a more efficient way of x-raying luggage without resorting to all this?. I can only assume its down to cost. Fortunately this particular part of the airport was not busy, goodness alone knows what its like during peak periods. BTW we had to join the security line for x-raying from the left (according to the signage posted anyway) - no, we were told to enter same from the right!!. The woman who looked intently at our boarding passes and passports at the entrance to the TSA passenger security line seemed somewhat confused by everything (she certainly did not know what she was doing, she could not even recognise our UK passports) but her aside the TSA people weren't too awful this time (compared to some I've come across in the past). The main gripe I have about this particular area though is that the line eventually snakes up to a series of very narrow entrance points so much chaos can and does ensue (as it did that afternoon). Anyhow, once through that you make your way to the satellite terminals using one of those lunar buggys. I quite like them (but there aren't enough seats for all to have). At least there are some fast food outlets along with a couple of shops in the terminal - many US airports care not a jot about international passengers airside and give them next to nothing in terms of facilities before boarding.

Washington Dulles Airport review byM Duggan

23 April 2005

Have used Dulles frequently from the UK . Generally ok as a means of getting on an aircraft. Never any problems with immigration always very courteous and efficient, if a bit slow and folksy at times. Security is another story - manned by surly neanderthals. I thought restrictions were on any sharp or pointed items - knives scissors etc that could be used as a weapon. No, these wonders who would not allow a small set of ring spanners - max weight 8 ounces, no points or sharp edges in the hand luggage. Just shouts of "no tools no tools" What do they think I am going to do with them - unbolt the wings - with a half inch spanner? But the two bottles of wine are okay - great clubs and when smashed produce lots of sharp and pointy bits!! Dopey useless shower. Achieves nothing for security but sure hacks off everyone else.

Washington Dulles Airport review byMichael Robinson-Chavez

22 April 2005

One of the worst airports. As the designated international hub for one of America's fastest growing areas the facilities are terribly lacking. Starting with the terminal itself, there are far too many people for the building to handle. Food and beverage options are non-existent, check in counter lines are confusing and chaotic, the security screening area is a free for all and the fire marshall I am certain, would have a few choice comments about the capacity. Aside from Terminal B the satellites are awful. No sunlight, low ceilings, congestion, terrible food options with few places to sit and long lines...just about as bad as it can get. Throw in a ride on one of those ridiculous "mobile lounges" and the whole experience turns into a horror show. International arrivals are a quagmire as well. The baggage area is nearly impossible to negotiate with a cart (especially with all the trans Atlantic flights arriving at once) and carousel numbers are often different than what appears on the monitors, when they are working. After a long and tiring trip abroad it is dreadful to know you are arriving at this overburdened dinosaur.

Washington Dulles Airport review byD Olorunda

13 March 2005

Although IAD seems to have the most international flights in the DC area, Dulles is definitely not yet a world-class airport. It is however, far better than the congested, unwieldy, and undersized BWI. For starters, IAD lacks an adequate, functional, inexpensive and efficient ground transportation from the airport to the city center, be it subway or city bus. Basically, that means that although DC & suburbs have a decent subway system, it doesn't go even close to the airport. Passengers are forced to take a 45 min bus ride after riding the subway 30 min from downtown DC/arlington. Also, the functionality of the interior of IAD is non-existent. When compared to global hubs like HKG, Changi, Narita, Newark, and SFO, Dulles is obtuse. And yes, the lunar buggy system needs to be phased out. But, the worst part about IAD is the security screening: congested, convoluted, hurried, jostled, and disorganized. So beware: don't take any carry-on items. I guess just like Washington DC itself, IAD is a bit contrived and clearly lacks functionality and efficiency.

Washington Dulles Airport review byEileen Campbell

7 February 2005

I travel approx. 90% of the time with my job and have visited many airports. Dulles is the only one that I really hate going to/from. The consolidated line for security causes this huge, undulating line to snake out and crossing lines of people waiting at ticket counters so that everyone is mixed up and may even be standing in the wrong place. The people movers from one terminal to the next is also quite time-consuming. Since you have to enter the airport at a single location (that is you cannot go directly to your tefminal and go through security there), everyone is jumbled into the main terminal. There are very few moving sidewalks to help you reach your gate once you finally get to your terminal. I have eternal hope that the construction there will someday fix all these issues.

Washington Dulles Airport review byMoin Abbasi

4 February 2005

Arrived at IAD on 15.1.2005 by BA from LHR. We were off the a/c and on our way to the terminal by those mobile buses within 20 mins of landing. Once inside the terminal, there was a long line at immigration but it moved pretty quickly. It was my first trip to the US in 5 years so I was a bit nervous as to what to expect from immigration but it all turned out to be quite uneventful. I had to register myself which took about 45 mins and completed all the formalities required and was free to leave. I was told that I would need to return to the INS office to record my departure and the whole procedure was explained to me. Everyone was polite and professional and I was not treated in a rude manner whatsoever. My bag was waiting for me at the belt and customs merely asked my profession and length of stay and I was out of the building. I was directed to a Washington Flyer Taxi which got me to DuPont Circle in 50 mins at $45. On my return on 19.1.2005 for my flight to LHR, I needed to put my unlocked bag through screening and once done, the security agent upon my request locked it for me. I then proceeded to the INS office where I used a red phone to report my departure and within 5 mins a very nice and polite immigration lady officer asked me to take a seat, took my documents and said she would have my pp stamped and will be back in a few minutes. She was back in 5 mins with my pp duly stamped and departure recorded and wished me a pleasant flight. Our a/c was parked at another Terminal D hence we had to use the bus again. Duty Free was available to international pax only and all domestic US pax were asked to leave the shops. In all I had a pretty good experience at IAD with friendly, helpful and polite service all the way.

Washington Dulles Airport review byCara Simmons

25 January 2005

Dulles is awful but I'd say about middle of the road for US airports, which are horrid. The worst problem with Dulles is the ground transportation to DC. Expensive, time-consuming, and often bogged down in local traffic. As for Independence Air, be careful. This airline has yet to make a reputation, but it has already screwed me by cancelling previously booked flights. I wonder whether they have a bait and switch operation going on, where they suck you in with low fares but then don't deliver.

Washington Dulles Airport review byNoel Dass

4 January 2005

Further to my previous comment about how inconvenient it is to get to and from Dulles, on my last trip abroad, I arrived at Dulles at about 6:30 am and since I had a lot of luggage, my only option was to take a shuttle back to the Baltimore area. That trip cost approx. $150, which is absolutely ridiculous. I find it hard to believe why the major gateway into the nation's capital has such terrible infrastructure in terms of ground transportation. The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, along with the local governments in Virginia and the District need to do something about making this airport more accessible for tourists.

Washington Dulles Airport review bySaad Cheema

10 October 2004

Well Carol, imagine what it would be like for a Muslim-Americans. They treat us thousands time worse than that. But security people aside, I don't really think that Dulles is that bad of an airport. I love it's exterior (after all, it as an award-winning design). Right now the terminal looks ugly from the inside but that's only because of the new railway service that they are adding to all concourses. It should be a lot better after the construction is done. I think Dulles is an awesome airport, but the only thing they need to real fast is to link it with Metro. It's so inconvenient to drive, take a bus, or take a taxi. But I have heard that the Metro would probably come here in 2010. Independence Air (FLYi.com) has also made IAD an attractive alternative to National and BWI. However, National is definitely better in terms of appearance, efficiency and accessibility (it's on a Metro stop, and only 2 minutes away from downtown!).

Washington Dulles Airport review byCarol Doyle

30 September 2004

Twice, within the last year I have had terrible experiences with picking up someone at Dulles airport and airport security. Now, I completely understand that all of the airports are under tight security since 9/11. However, I have a major problem with making a normal airport pick up an unnecessary and painful ordeal in the name of being secure. Yesterday, I went to pick up my Mother from an international flight at Dulles. My mother is a older woman and since it was pouring rain she was waiting inside the airport but near to the exit. As I was pulling into the entrance I received a call from her that she was walking to the exit door and I told her that she would see me as she comes out and ended the conversation. I then immediately popped the trunk, unlocked the doors and jump out to meet her in the pouring rain. I am approached by security yelling to hurry up and move the car. Now keep in mind from the time I pulled into the curb to now I am out of the car took all of about thirty seconds. In addition to the security yelling to move the car a few people who were standing in front of the entrance also started yelling at me that I was going to get a ticket. It was weird like the security was the lead singer and the people were his back up singers. The security begins to write me a ticket so I am scrambling to close the trunk and move the car and my Mother comes out. I was there for all of a minute and the fact of the matter is I drove in the pouring rain over an hour to Dulles to pick up my Mother. I was not at the airport to hang out or to park up and have a grand tour, just to pick her up and leave. The point is if being secure or having high security at Dulles means treating people like criminals then the airport should not operate. In most cases, these so called high security tactics only causes stress and affect those of us who are innocent while the criminal who's intent is to cause harm are not affected at all. I have never experienced this at BWI or Reagan airport when picking up someone and security is very visible at both of these airport, professional and pleasant. Dulles airport security are a disgrace.

Washington Dulles Airport review byCharles R. Thompson

8 September 2004

Dulles service is terrible. Signage is nonexistent; automated equipment sits idle; lack of information is rampant; mis-information is the norm. This airport is a national disgrace and an embarrassment for any US citizen when a non-US traveler gets caught in this mess. Surly employees add to the dismay. Taxi service is abysmal, equivalent to a third world bazaar where drivers squabble with would-be fares. It is a shame that airport management has allowed poor service and lack of user-friendliness to invade a world-class facility.

Washington Dulles Airport review byRajiv Anand

28 July 2004

Any traveller should realize that there are dozens of alternate east coast gateways to Europe or wherever to choose from in addition to the horrendous Dulles Airport. Flew VS 21 from LHR, arrived 2 hours late and transferred from aircraft to main terminal on antiquated and cheap looking shuttle cart on stilts. Amazing. Immigration was a plus, to say the least, and cleared quickly. Transferred luggage for domestic segment (UA 521 to DFW) an hour and a half before departure time, yet clearly insufficient for the inefficiency of IAD. Bags were sent to Chicago, eventually lost. After immigration, we were immersed in the dreadful main terminal, vast, confusing, old, trying to get boarding passes. Security checkpoints were a nightmare. Again took cheap mobile tram to terminal, which had the appearance of a prison. IAD can never be compared to the perfection of Reagan national. It fails to serve as an efficient hub for a major east coast city.  

Washington Dulles Airport review byGeorge A Santulli

19 July 2004

As a frequent user of Dulles Airport I must agree with many of the negative views of this airport. When you compare it to the beautiful airports of the world like Singapore, Vienna, even Denver - this is really a miserable airport. There is nothing comfortable about the airport, service is awful, surly and the hours are terrible. If you have been to the new Denver Airport which is so light and airy, one wonders why Dulles, which is being rebuilt, can't look like this airport, but even with millions being pumped into Dulles, it will never be a first class looking airport. Like Washington itself, it is mired in self indulgence and pomposity. As an entry airport to the US, it is a disgrace and makes a terrible impression for first time visitors to the U.S.

Washington Dulles Airport review bySteve Denton

5 July 2004

A dump it may be, but this May our flight (90 minutes late) from Allentown touched down at 5 pm. My wife and I walked briskly to get the "mobile lounge" (a bus on stilts) to the terminal from where our flight to Brussels was due to leave at 5.30. We got there just in time and, miracle of miracles, our luggage arrived with us in Brussels.

Washington Dulles Airport review byCameron Kay

18 June 2004

Further to my previous comment on this page I have had the misfortune of transiting through IAD twice more. My partner and I flew from LHR to GIG via IAD (4/6) and returned 12+13/6. Going to Rio was not so bad, we flew Business class, so got off the plane first and got our bags first. Immigration was actually quick. (why immigrate for 2hrs -  stupid system, but that US law not IAD!) On the way back to LHR after a 10hr overnight flight from Rio we arrive at IAD at about 6:30am. Landed and parked at Gate D6. We were then transported by some strange lunar thing to the A (main) Terminal to clear immigration, as immigration was not yet open in the D term. Queues were horrendously long and all the announcements by ground staff about forms etc were made in Portuguese ONLY. That's great but what about English? After a long wait we picked up our bags and moved to re-check point. As we queued for Re-check, a foghorn voiced baggage person told everybody to unlock all their bags. and then leave unlocked out of our sight, for them to do what they wanted with. I expressed concern at this point, and was told there was nothing to worry about all bags would be locked by them before being loaded on plane. Well imagine my horror as I pulled my bag of the belt in LHR only to find not only had they not lock the padlocks, but stolen them as well! This is what the US calls security? What a joke. I was nervous about taking my bags through LHR customs until I had checked the contents for theft or tampering. Not the way I wanted to end the best holiday I've had in a long time. I could go on forever about the further queues and hand baggage search I endured, but the though of it makes my blood boil. It's a real shame I love United airlines, because I hate Dulles with a passion.

Washington Dulles Airport review bySue Ogden

9 May 2004

An over complicated airport with seemingly no exit if in transit as I was en route to thr UK. All I wanted was some fresh air! Inadequate signing, long long terminal buildings, and far too few decent bars to sit back and relax in whilst waiting for the onward flight. I will remember to avoid this as a gateway airport.

Washington Dulles Airport review bySean Coon

5 May 2004

What a dump! There is nowhere convenient to meet somebody. Also the gates in the main terminal are not labeled plus the main terminal has few places to eat. Hourly parking is expensive. I would only fly out of here if I was going international. Otherwise, BWI or Reagan are much better alternatives.

Washington Dulles Airport review byMartin Arida

18 April 2004

What were they thinking when they built IAD? It looks modern from the outside, but it is one the drabbest airports inside. But the worst is making connections between terminals. The only means is using that super-outdated "lunar vehicle", and many times passengers have to transfer at the main terminal when transiting between two other terminals - it's a connection within a connection! I would avoid connecting at IAD unless both flights leave from the same terminal.

Washington Dulles Airport review byMichael Dennison

18 April 2004

As a traveller that has used Dulles as my point of entry into the US over many years I have heretofore approached the arrivals hall with a certain amount of trepidation. While perhaps not as bad as that at LAX, the operation at IAD was always a frustrating experience with arriving passengers forced to make a choice of which line to join only to find, inevitably, theirs would take forever while others moved ahead. Imagine my surprise and delight upon my last arrival from overseas to find that the situation had been remedied. Now the options facing arriving passengers are simply "resident" or "non-resident" with a single line for each which snakes around and moves constantly. When you reach the head of the line, an immigration officer directs you to the next available desk. What an improvement and long overdue. Bravo whoever thought of it and implemented it!

Washington Dulles Airport review byOsman Riaz

16 April 2004

The parking at Dulles is getting more expensive. Economy parking is $9 per day and valet parking can be upto $25 per day. There are no off site parking lots, so parking can be quite an expense if you are flying overseas. Getting to Dulles from DC is difficult. Washington Flier cabs do not pick up from the DC area so getting a ride from DC to Dulles can be quite exasperating. Washingtonflier.com offer all inclusive rate sedans which are quite useful in getting to the airport for the corporate traveller. Limousine companies have all sorts of hidden fees and at the end of the journey the bill is not exactly what you would expect! Being an International airport it serves the region with a variety of airlines and cost options. It is still the best airport besides Reagan to commute to from DC.

Washington Dulles Airport review byChris Smigliani

8 April 2004

Although IAD has your best options in the Balt.-Wash.-NOVA area for international flights, it is a nightmare to get to/from. Transport options are pathetic for the main international airport of our nation's capital. Metrobus does run there, but it is a long process and they run every hour at best. Washington Flyer buses should go downtown, but don't forget that Wash FLY (buses and taxis) is a mafia-like operation. I arrive recently on a red-eye during a storm, and they crammed three of us in a cab, and charged full price and surcharge to all three of us into DC. Highway robbery. WashFLy lobbies so that you don't have a proper rail link.

Washington Dulles Airport review byCameron Kay

12 February 2004

I flew into Dulles Int'l on transit to a connecting flight to Orlando. It should be renamed Dullest - it is one of the most hideously drab terminal buildings i have ever been to, certainly gives London Heathrow a run for its money in the grotty stakes. I also found immigration staff to be very intimidating and downright rude, not to mention the awfully long and slow moving queues before this. We waited so long to get through, that we only had time for a quick loo trip before our next flight took off. Overall, I would rank it as one of the worst airports that I have ever been to, and will certainly try to avoid it in the future, its a shame that it's the primary hub for an airline as good as United.

Washington Dulles Airport review byDavid Lee

28 January 2004

As a long-time Washington area resident, I've always been a bit frustrated by Dulles - it seems to always be a little short of living up to its potential. Architecturally attractive, and located on a vast expanse of land, it's been through several expansions, but isn't quite "there" yet. On the plus side, the "midfield terminals" are spacious, airy, and uncrowded, with a decent selection of shops and restaurants. The runways are well-laid out and don't require half-hour long taxis to the terminal. On the downside, the "mobile lounges" that carry passengers to the main terminal were outdated 30 years ago: slow, smelly, crowded, inefficient. The main hall was not designed for the crush of check-in counters and queues that go with modern air travel, and there is no convenient place for loved ones to greet arriving family members. Like most US airports, security is chaotic and woefully understaffed. While getting to and from the airport by private car is easy, there are few other options to get to downtown DC easily, other than an expensive cab ride. An underground tram should open soon to link the various terminals, but the parking situation leaves much to be desired (why isn't the hourly lot, right next to the terminal, a multi- tiered garage?). All in all, a fair to good airport that has the potential to be a great airport.

Washington Dulles Airport review byArmen Terjimanian

11 November 2003

I had a brief connection recently at IAD for about an hour and unfortunately, that hour was used up by mobile lounges! Upon arriving into the C terminal, I was unimpressed by the drabness of the midfield terminal--it could use some fresh paint or something--doesn't look too traveler friendly. Also, there was a lack of signage from my gate so I had no idea where to go to catch a flight at terminal A. Finally, I find the mobile lounges but they were not operating shuttles to A directly, I had to go to the main hall and take another shuttle. These "tank-like vehicle" look like they're from some old 60s sci-fi movie. I was totally unimpressed with the airport setup, design, and decor. Reagan and BWI are a lot better in the DC area. As for airports that need to transfer from a main hall to a midfield terminal, Atlanta and Orlando do a better job with their trams and trains.

Washington Dulles Airport review byNoel Dass

31 October 2003

Dulles International Airport is an extremely inconvenient airport to get to via public transportation. For the life of me I cannot understand why the Washington Flyer Shuttle only goes up to the West Falls Church Metro Station instead of all the way into Union Station or even Metro Centre in the city!! It's one heck of an expensive taxi ride to get to and from Dulles from the city. Even airports like Heathrow or Charles De Gaulle have better public transportation. The terminal itself looks nice but on a recent trip to Paris, my flight left in the evening and I couldn't find a decent place to eat - except the McDonald's!?