Tips for traveling through the airports from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.

Our Pledge to Passengers

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority pledges to:

Serve the traveling public;

Provide a safe, predictable, enjoyable travel experience;

Continuously improve customer service, convenience, innovation and engagement; and

Always advocate for our passengers with all entities affecting their journey.

Things to Remember

  • Expect full flights, longer lines and full luggage bins onboard airplanes during the busiest days, including the Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving. Plan your trip accordingly.
  • Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, especially during peak times and peak travel days.
  • Confirm flight information and schedule with your airline before coming to the airport.
  • Bring government-issued photo ID to the airport for all adult passengers.
  • Print out your boarding pass and pay any airline baggage fees in advance. If your boarding pass says “TSA Pre✓,” proceed to the appropriate security checkpoint. This will save valuable time when moving through the airport.
  • Pack wisely – no prohibited items in carry-on luggage; and no valuable items in checked luggage. Label your luggage so your name is plainly visible.
  • Avoid traveling with wrapped gifts. All items carried past the security checkpoint are subject to inspection and may be unwrapped.

Reagan National – www.flyreagan.com

Dulles International – www.flydulles.com