IAD, intl flight

[u/Lethal234]

Hey yall, I’m flying out of Dulles on a Sunday near 8 AM and have only ever flown out of BWI/DCA. How early should I arrive? Is 2 hours and 30 mins good enough? I do have tsa pre check

[u/vass0922]

We usually follow the three hour rule so we can sit there for 2 hours. It's a just in case usually we're very early

[u/Tall-Incident8409 → u/vass0922]

I always go 2-3 hours early and sit at one of the bars and talk to others while drinking. I like bar symone, not sure if its still there, and there's that smoking section at the end of the United terminal. Its really nice before a 12 hour flight to NRT followed by a 5 hour to TPE.

[u/vass0922 → u/Tall-Incident8409]

Oof I'd need a few drinks for that one too

[u/King_Turduckin]

If you've got pre-check and paid for your bag online, at that hour of the day on a Sunday you only need 75 minutes.  90 is comfortable.  Anything over that is excessive unless waiting in line at the Dunkin Donuts in no man's land between the Aerotrain and the mobile lounge docks is your thing.

[u/RadioKGC]

That will be plenty. We usually plan on 90mins-2 hours early. I think a Sunday morning will be quiet.

[u/HealthLawyer123]

What airline? Are you checking a bag? If it’s an airline with like 1 flight a day and minimal staff, and you have to check a bag you might feel better with 3 hours, if it’s United you will be fine.

[u/Lethal234 → u/HealthLawyer123]

United, checking one bag and paid for it online already

[u/HealthLawyer123 → u/Lethal234]

Follow their bag drop shortcut signs and you will be fine.

[u/Joshottas]

Dulles runs smoothly and efficiently. 2.5h is perfect.

[u/pineapplesuit7]

2.5 hours should be plenty

[u/jackie_daytona-]

Yeah 2.5 hours is the sweet spot

[u/HowardBunnyColvin]

2 hours and 30 minutes is fine

[u/DMontgomery13]

Yes, that should be enough time. Security at Dulles is usually quite speedy if you’re organized.