It's actually been a long time since I have flown through (or to) Washington DC and gone to any airport in the DC area. I recently had a layover at DCA when traveling from Phoenix to Toronto on American Airlines. I enjoyed the layover and found the airport, its staff, and the airline lounges all to be very convenient and helpful. I learned on this visit though that locals and frequent flyers typically call it "National" or "DCA" while out-of-town visitors call it "Reagan." I used all three interchangeably so I'm not sure what that means for me.
The clubs and lounges in DCA Airport are much better than usual and there are more of them than usual. I have two travel premium credit cards: the AAdvantage Executive Mastercard offering complimentary Admirals Club access (including the locations near gates C24 and in concourses B and E) and the American Express Platinum card offering other lounge access (including the Centurion Lounge near the B gates and the Delta Sky Club near B15 if I was flying Delta). Other lounges include the United Club near B11 and the Capital One Landing in the main connector area. The Admirals Club near the E gates was incredible and a newly reimagined lounge. My AMEX Platinum also provides travel credits along with complimentary CLEAR and Global Entry membership. There is also the USO Center in Terminal 1.
The DCA airport's website (https://www.flyreagan.com) shows ways to enhance your trip or even how to make the most of your summer with a summer travel guide. There are 87 shops and restaurants in the airport with new ones always being added. If you're going to be parking at DCA often, sign up for their PassPark Rewards program (https://parking.flyreagan.com/passpark-rewards). Airport amenities in addition to airport lounges include charging stations, free WiFI, a concierge, baggage carts, and interfaith chapel, kids play space, nursing rooms, pet relief areas, and more. It really does feel that the airport staff put a lot of intentional effort into making sure everyone feels welcome and that there's something at the airport for everyone.
I certainly won't mind a layover at DCA in the future! read more