Tips Regarding Airport Effects
of U.S. Government Agency Budget Cuts
Reagan National and Dulles International are Seeing
Limited Passenger Impacts from “Sequestration”

There has been much publicity about the possible effects of federal budget cuts called “sequestration” on aviation – from increased wait times to changes in flight schedules.

Reagan National and Dulles International Airport will continue to operate regardless of possible federal reductions. Terminal facilities, parking, shuttle buses, rental cars, shops and restaurants will continue to operate.

However, certain support systems staffed by federal agencies are being impacted by staffing changes as a result of Sequestration. We are working closely with federal agencies to assess specific impacts on federal services so we can continue providing the best available guidance to customers of Reagan National and Dulles International. 

We will continue to monitor for updates and present the latest information here. Below is a list of federal agencies with significant impacts on airport passenger travel and any effects to passengers so far as a result of Sequestration.

Information updated May 1, 2013:

• TSA (Transportation Security Administration): Operates and staffs security screening checkpoints for all departing flights, as well as checked bag screening. We will continue monitoring TSA for changes in expected checkpoint wait times and other service advisories.  
  
  Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  Current Impact on Passengers: No noticeable impact to wait times at security checkpoints or baggage screening. A real-time display of wait times at Dulles is available in the terminal and on our website.
  Peak Times at Checkpoints: Generally between 6:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m.-noon, 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
  Potential Future Impacts: Possible increased wait times at security checkpoints and delays screening baggage.
  
  Reagan National Airport (DCA)
  Current Impact on Passengers: Security checkpoint wait times have increased by several minutes at peak travel times, with no noticeable changes in off-peak wait times.
  Peak Times at Checkpoints: Generally between 5:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
  Potential Future Impacts: Possible increased wait times at security checkpoints and delays screening baggage.

	6:30am-9:00am	9:00am-noon	Noon-3:00pm	3:00pm-6:30pm
Terminals A, B, B/C, C	Average wait time 15 min. but could be as long as 30 min.	Average wait time 15 min. but could be as long as 25 min.	Average wait time 10 min. but could be as long as 30 min.	Average wait time 10 min. but could be as long as 30 min.



• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): Operates and staffs the Air Traffic Control system throughout the United States, including the towers located at Reagan National and Dulles International. Air traffic control is no longer impacted by sequestration. A measure approved by the U.S. Congress has restored the FAA to full staffing levels.


• CBP (Customs and Border Protection): Operates and staffs U.S. ports of entry, including Dulles International Airport. We will continue monitoring CBP for changes in staffing and provide guidance to passengers arriving on international flights.
  
  Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  Current Impact on Passengers: Wait times in U.S. Customs and Border Protection have increased an average of 10-15 minutes throughout the day, with an average 30-minute wait time increase during peak flight arrival times.
  Peak Times in CBP Checkpoints: Generally between 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.
  Potential Future Impact: Possible increased wait times at CBP checkpoints.

   




In addition to this guidance, here are some general tips to improve your airport experience:

• Before coming to the airport, check in to your flight online to ensure your flight is on schedule and avoid a line at the ticket counter. Pay any checked baggage fees online in advance.
• Arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. We will adjust this guidance if additional time is warranted.
• Real-time security wait times for Dulles are available on your smartphone and on displays near the checkpoint entrances.
• When traveling internationally, passengers participating in the CBP Global Entry Program can have expedited screening through self-checkout kiosks.
• If you are picking up a passenger, confirm the flight’s on-time status directly with the airline’s website. Many airlines also provide flight status alerts that can be received via email or text.
• If you park in our lots or garages, take your ticket with you. Using pre-payment machines before reaching your car allows for a speedy exit through “Prepaid” lanes at Reagan National and “Pay and Go” lanes at Dulles.
• Need help in the airport? Look for our Student Ambassadors wearing distinctive yellow shirts, or visit our information counters staffed by Travelers Aid volunteers wearing blue blazers.



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