Washington Dulles Airport

My least favorite of the three DC area airports. Fly from Reagan National instead even if it means forgoing a nonstop flight. Amazingly despite the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on improvements at Dulles in recent years it now takes longer to get through the airport than before and the amenities are just as bad. Although the much ballyhooed "AirTrain" recently opened which should have sped travel times from the main terminal to the satellite terminals amazingly it takes even longer than the mobile lounges (aka Star Wars mobiles) of old. Fortunately the Star Wars Mobiles are still plugging along. Use them instead and save yourself 15 minutes.The security lines are the worst I've ever routinely encountered at any major airport. Allow at least 45 minutes to get through. There seem to be enough security lanes but rarely are enough of them open. Amenities (restaurants shops etc.) I can't speak for the entire airport but they are wholly lacking in the United Airlines concourse (and since United moves well over half the traffic at Dulles you'll probably be flying United). You'll find long lines and limited choices. Terminal design I'm speaking for United's facilities but you may have to walk (yes walk--there are no moving sidewalks) over 1/4 mile between your gate and the AirTrain or mobile lounge station. Allow at least 10 minutes for this. Dulles is to be avoided if you value your time. If you are parking in the economy lot plan to arrive there 2 1/2 hours before flight time in order to ensure you can reach your departure gate with time to spare. On the way home don't expect to make the trip from your arrival gate to arrival/pick-up in anything less than 45 minutes (assuming you haven't checked luggage).

Quite the worst airport to arrive at that I've ever been to. It took 2 hours to clear Passport Control. No explanation for the delay much less any apology.

Transfering to Europe through Dulles on United Airlines is not a pleasant experience. United had about a dozen Europe-bound flights leaving within minutes of each other from adjoining gates. The place was absolute pandemonium no where to sit stand or walk. Food and shopping options are severely limited and impossible to get to with all the crowds. Perhaps other areas of the airport at different times are more pleasant. This place badly needs a new or expanded terminal.

Travelled with group of 33 school students as a leader. Security very aggressive with absolutely no explanation of why I was separated and aggressively searched. Possessions returned to hand luggage by officer damaged since items were caught up in a zip which he forced closed. I was referred to as 'she' and' put her in the cage.' I have travelled extensively and have no criminal record whatsoever!

Queuing at the immigration was very uncomfortable. I had to go through "B" section since I was traveling with my AP and service there was unbearably poor and unreasonable with arrogant attitude. Security process was redundant for the transfer. Even though I had been in the "secured" area from other flight I still had to go through another security and some of the product purchased in the air plane and duty free from other airport were denied so I had to check another bag forcefully. That bag was not showing up on the system when we checked at the airline gate and finally got lost. I will avoid this airport for the transfer from any international travels.

A 60s throw back at check in but speedy rail transit to spacious new departure gate areas with plenty of space light and amenities - although no baby changing tables in the restrooms which would have been welcome for our 11 month old. Immigration had no queue and taxi into Arlington was $60 with tip. There's an unusual bus transfer from the gates to immigration but overall a really good experience - so much nicer entering the US here than other airports we've been to.

Such a contrast between arriving at Dulles and departing from it. Arrival was as horrid an experience as I have encountered in the US. After my plane landed about 2 hours late I found myself at the end of a long snaking queue for immigration. As a non-US citizen it took me almost an hour to reach an agent’s desk. Ahead of me was an elderly man about 80 far too polite to ask to go to the front of the queue who was clearly in some distress. After I got through immigration I waited for half an hour for my bag to reach the designated carousel. On a trip to the restroom I found my bag with others piled up on the floor. The carousel screen was wrong and all the bags from my flight had been delivered. To my surprise my return trip from Dulles went just fine. Security was quick and then I was able to take the moving walkways to the brand new B concourse as good an airside space as I’ve seen anywhere. Very spacious (10-15 minutes walk from end to end) and plenty of shops and eating places.

Flew through Dulles to get to Sao Paulo on 7 January and back on 16/17 January. As with all US airports I have used I feel they must scour the country for the most charmless people they can find and employ them all here. It always makes for a depressing if not downright stressful and unpleasant experience. My case arrived off the carousel broken and searched with various unwrapped presents. A similar experience on return. This airport needs a makeover - it doesn't look much nicer inside than a prison with comparatively few retail outlets as well.

Breezed through immigration and passport control staff polite. Internal transportation a nightmare a single car of a people mover expected to accomodate an entire aircraft? That's just not going to work. Baggage claim looked worse than many former Soviet countries public transportation to the city was sketchy and the lack of a decent information desk took its toll. Food facilities completely inadequate.

IAD tends to be a miserable experience but it provides almost all the international options in the DC area and it should get better. Immigration/customs formalities are relatively efficient although it's still necessary to use the people mover (often crowded) to reach the immigration area. The ambiance and dining/shopping options vary by concourse. The United commuter concourse is the worst. The main C/D concourse (used by United for mailine flights) has gotten better over time. Departure security has gotten more efficient and there is now a second security area on the lower level near baggage claim along with the new security mezzanine. I recommend the lower level location as it is still lightly used. The new train system will connect to the smaller infield terminals before opening to the C/D. The opening of the train has been delayed but should occur early this year. Getting to the airport remains a hassle - the 5A bus to Rosslyn and L'Enfant Metro stations remains the cheapest option but is poorly promoted although information can be found on the DC Metro website. The buses to West Falls Church are the next best option; there used to be service to DC but it was not used enough to be profitable. Staying near Dulles means being carbound and having limited dining options. Service within the airport tends toward the indifferent. Allowing 2 hours before a flight will work outside of rush periods but 3 hours is more realistic during the usual business travel rush.