Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – Live TSA Wait Times & Traveler Updates

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest commercial airport to downtown Washington, DC, making it the preferred option for government officials, business travelers, and short-haul flyers. Located just across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, DCA offers unmatched convenience with direct access to the city via the Washington Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines.

DCA primarily focuses on domestic routes due to federal perimeter rules, which limit most nonstop flights to destinations within roughly 1,250 miles. Despite its smaller footprint, the airport handles heavy passenger volume and serves as an important hub for American Airlines, with additional service from Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and others. The airport consists of two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected by walkways and shuttle options.

Known for its scenic approach views of the National Mall and the Potomac, DCA combines proximity, efficiency, and strong airline coverage, making it one of the most strategically valuable airports in the country.

Security screening at Reagan National Airport is organized by terminal. Terminal 2, which handles the majority of flights and passenger volume, features multiple TSA checkpoints to manage high traffic throughout the day. Terminal 1 operates with its own dedicated checkpoint and typically sees lighter passenger flow, depending on airline schedules.

TSA PreCheck is available at both terminals, and CLEAR lanes operate in Terminal 2 to help enrolled travelers reduce wait times. Security checkpoints generally open between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. and remain open until the last departing flight.

The busiest periods at DCA tend to be weekday mornings (especially Mondays and Thursdays) and late afternoons when government and business travel peaks. Because of the airport’s proximity to DC and limited terminal space, lines can move quickly but become congested without much warning. Travelers should plan to arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before domestic flights, especially during high-volume travel windows.