Airport guides · Arlington, VA

Flying into DCA: what to expect

Ronald Reagan Washington National, Arlington, VA. Live conditions in plain words, plus what's normal on arrival and departure.

Airport codeDCA / KDCA
Runways (FAA)3
Elevation13 ft
Longest runway7,169 ft
Flying to or from DCA?Get a free briefing: weather at both ends, the turbulence outlook and what to expect.Open My Flight

Weather at DCA right now

Clear skies; calm wind; 12°C / 53°F. That means good visibility and no low cloud deck.

Forecast: wind around 6 mph.

What pilots reported nearby in the last 3 hours: 2 turbulence reports (0 smooth, 1 light, 1 moderate). Reports cover all altitudes and aircraft sizes; small aircraft feel bumps more.

Source: NWS Aviation Weather Center METAR, TAF and pilot reports for KDCA. Updated every few minutes.

Runways and which way you'll land

DCA has 3 runways in FAA data: 01/19 (7,169 ft), 04/22 (5,000 ft), 15/33 (5,204 ft).

Runway numbers are compass headings divided by ten (runway 27 points roughly west, 270°).6 Airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the direction you take off or land at DCA changes with the weather.5 That's normal.

Flying into DCA: common questions

Which runway will my flight use at DCA?

It depends mostly on the wind: airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the runway in use changes with the weather. FAA data lists 3 runways at DCA (01/19, 04/22, 15/33); the longest is 01/19 at about 7,169 ft.

Why might my flight circle before landing at DCA?

Holding is a normal way for air traffic control to space out arrivals when it's busy or the weather changes. Airplanes carry extra fuel for it. You can check current delay programs on the FAA's National Airspace System status page.

Is it normal for the landing at DCA to feel bumpy?

Yes. Low-level bumps are common on approach, especially on windy or gusty days, and a firm touchdown is often deliberate. The airplane is designed for it; keep your seat belt fastened while seated.

What can I bring through security at DCA?

TSA rules apply at every US airport: liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-sized bag. TSA's 'What can I bring?' tool covers specific items.

Before you go

  • Liquids in carry-on: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag.1
  • Not sure about an item? Check TSA's "What can I bring?" tool.2
  • Need help at security because of a disability or medical condition? TSA Cares can help.3
  • Delays and ground stops across the US are shown on the FAA's airspace status page.4

Official DCA website

Calm reading for your trip

Nearby airport guides

IAD

Washington Dulles International

BWI

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall

PHL

Philadelphia International

EWR

Newark Liberty International

Sources

  1. TSA, Liquids, aerosols and gels rule (3-1-1)
  2. TSA, What can I bring?
  3. TSA Cares / passenger support
  4. FAA National Airspace System status (delays and ground stops)
  5. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (takeoff and landing into the wind)
  6. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aircraft performance and density altitude)
  7. FAA airport data via the NWS Aviation Weather Center airport API
  8. Holding patterns, explained (SafelyAboard)

Runway and elevation data: FAA, via aviationweather.gov, baked 2026-10-17. SafelyAboard doesn't rate airports.