Updates

UPDATES

8/1/2012

Wait times at the screening locations have increased recently so you may want to get to the airport a few minutes earlier than usual. Here is a useful link to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority web site that lists wait times for the two main screening locations (I don't like the word checkpoint), at the east and west ends of the main terminal: http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/4793.htm

Supposedly, the wait times are updated every minute. I have never verified the accuracy of the times but they should at least give you some idea of what to expect. The most useful thing may be the ability to determine which screening area has the shortest wait time. Infrequent travelers at Dulles may not realize the all gates can be accessed from either screening area. Sometimes the wait at one area can be 20 or more minutes longer than the other. If you have Internet access on your cell phone, it is worth checking out the link when you arrive at the airport and heading to the screening area with the shortest wait time. If, like me, you are directionally challenged, when you are outside facing the front of the main terminal, the west end is to your right and the east end will be to your left.

As always, you can speed screening for yourself and fellow travelers by carefully following the divesting rules for your carryon bags and yourself.

7/28/2012

The ubiquitous gray bins used to hold laptops, quart-size bags with liquid, gels and aerosols, and small carryon items are now white (with advertising, no less). I will be updating the content to reflect this fact but, for now, anytime that you see a reference to the gray bins, be aware that they are now white.

7/26/2012

"Risk-based screening" is the catch-phrase for a set of TSA initiatives designed to speed the screening process for folks deemed to be in low security risk categories. The TSA has introduced more flexible screening procedures for children 12 and under, seniors 75 and older and cockpit crew (and soon flight attendants).

In September, Dulles airport will add the Pre-Check program for travelers. There will be dedicated lanes for certain travelers who are members of frequent flier programs and/or members of one of the Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveler programs. These individuals have agreed to undergo pre-screening prior to arriving that the airport. Passengers that qualify for the Pre-Check program will be eligible for expedited screening and will not have to remove their shoes, TSA-compliant size liquids from their bags, laptops from their bags, light outerwear or belts. This program is currently scheduled to be introduced at Dulles on September 25th.

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Disclaimer: This material was written by a private citizen hoping to be helpful, not as a representative of the federal government, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority or of the Transportation Security Administration. Any opinions expressed as well as any inaccuracies are solely the author’s.