BWI vs. IAD

[Anonymous]

I used to live closer to Dulles and so reflexively book flights from there, but I just realized I'm now equidistant from Dulles & BWI.

I haven't traveled out of BWI lately. Any frequently travelers have thoughts about one of these airports over another?

[Anonymous]

IAD is a better airport in general but this will be driven more by what airlines you want to take and your destination and whether one has direct flights or not. And cost.

[Anonymous]

OP here and for the flight I'm looking at, the cost difference in the ticket is $100. Just curious what makes Dulles the better airport?

[Anonymous]

I'm also equidistant. BWI always has the "We try harder" feel to me, which can be a good thing. For example, for the few international flights they have, they'll call their back-office staff out if a big flight comes in, to help direct people through immigration. They also have an update to one set of gates underway. Meanwhile, at IAD you're stuck with the "temporary" terminals C and D which we've had temporarily for the past 20 years.

But if I need to choose between a direct and connecting flight, the airport with the direct flight always wins.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to live closer to Dulles and so reflexively book flights from there, but I just realized I'm now equidistant from Dulles & BWI.

I haven't traveled out of BWI lately. Any frequently travelers have thoughts about one of these airports over another?

Only use 3rd party or hourly parking at BWI. Security for the first flights out is typically a joke. Food options generally suck.

[Anonymous]

BWI is a hassle wherever you are coming or going from. Everything takes longer than at IAD.

[Anonymous]

I prefer BWI, and use that whenever I can. Unfortunately, because it's a smaller airport, it doesn't have as many flights. But, we try to go to BWI if we can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BWI is a hassle wherever you are coming or going from. Everything takes longer than at IAD.

I found the opposite to be the case, both domestic and international. IAD immigration and customs is INSANE.

[Anonymous]

I love bwi and live closer. With that being said my last few flights have been from iAd and dca just because of cost and destination. Dulles also has lounges which I really like.

[Anonymous]

I hate the stupid Dulles tram

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here and for the flight I'm looking at, the cost difference in the ticket is $100. Just curious what makes Dulles the better airport?

If it's just cost, then factor in parking too. IAD has a monopoly on parking providers for the most part, though you can reserve parking in advance which is nice. BWI has a number of private parking company providers so it can be more competitive price-wise.

[Anonymous]

If there's a flight that's cheaper that's convenient to you from BWI, you should choose it. IAD has way more choice in flights though.
I recently returned from an international trip at IAD and found customs/ immigration to be pleasantly improved - we had checked bags and were still out in 30 mins.

[Anonymous]

In the unlikely circumstance that I’m looking at two direct flights for the same price at the same time of day, I’d probably choose Dulles only because I find the drive slightly easier, and parking in garages 1/2 is very convenient.

But if the BWI flight is better on any/all of those three factors—direct, price, time of day—I’d definitely choose it over an inferior Dulles flight.

[Anonymous]

OP just take the cheaper price. I fly BWI over Dulles when I have the choice because I like the offsite parking options better and always find it a quicker/easier experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate the stupid Dulles tram

YES! This alone makes me strongly prefer BWI.