American Airlines (AA or AAL) is the largest airline in the world in terms of fleet capacity, scheduled passenger carried, and revenue passenger mile.
AA flies to more than 350 destinations from 10 hubs located at different airports across the country. Washington-National,
Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte Douglas, Chicago-O’Hare, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Phoenix-Sky Harbor are the major hubs.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is one of the 10 primary hubs for American Airlines. We have prepared this article to our readers know ‘What terminal is American Airlines at DCA Airport?’.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What terminal is American Airlines for DCA?
American Airlines operates from Terminal 2 (Concourses C, D, and E) at DCA Airport. All terminal services including baggage claim, ticketing, and security are available at this terminal.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (ICAO: KDCA, IATA: DCA, FAA LID: DCA) is one of the major airports in the DC area and is located in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River. It is commonly known as National Airport, Reagan National Airport, or simply National Airport.
DCA is equipped with a large main terminal that is split into two passenger terminals: Terminal 1, and Terminal 2. Previously, these passenger terminals were known as Terminal A (now Terminal 1), and Terminal B/C (now Terminal 2).
AA Terminal Facilities at DCA Airport
- TSA PreCheck
- Clubs, and Lounges
- Mobile Boarding Passes
- Priority Privileges
- Curbside Check-in
- Self-Service Check-in
- Five Star Service
- TDD Services
- Ticket Counters
- Animal Relief Area
The AA ticket counter is available in Terminal 2 and is open daily from 3:30 am to 9 pm. The ticket counter doesn’t accept cash or check payments. The Metro check-in is located next to the north security checkpoint and is open daily from 3:30 am to 10:30 pm.
The DCA Airport authority suggests that passengers arrive at least 90-120 minutes before their scheduled departure. As per American Airlines’ guidelines, passengers must reach the airport at least 45 minutes prior to domestic departure, and 60 minutes prior to international departure.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before embarking on your journey, it is crucial to verify if your destination has any travel restrictions in place. Additionally, if your destination requires specific travel documents, please ensure that you have a completed copy of those documents with you at the airport.
For added convenience during check-in, American Airlines offers multiple options for its customers. They can utilize self-service kiosks, perform online check-in, or complete the check-in process at the ticket counters. Online check-in becomes available 24 hours prior to departure.
Are you traveling with your pets via an American Airlines flight?
If yes, please go through the AA Pet Policy, and follow all guidelines so that, you can travel safely with your beloved pets.
DCA Airport Ground Transportation Facility
- Rental Cars: On-Airport rental car counters are located on the first floor of Parking 1 featuring 7 on-site, and 2 off-site rental providers.
- Ride App: Uber, Lyft, and ALTO offer transportation services to passengers arriving at and departing from Reagan National Airport.
- Taxis: There are taxi services offered at both Terminals 1, and 2 at DCA Airport.
- Limousine and Sedan Services: The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority authorized sedan or limo services are available at DCA Airport.
- Metrorail: The Metrorail system provides easy and affordable access to locations throughout Washington, Virginia, and Maryland.
- On-Airport Shuttle Bus Service: Reagan National Airport offers a shuttle service to help passengers and employees navigate the airport.
- Private Vehicle Pick-up: Personal vehicle pick-up is located on the outside curb outside of Terminal 1, and Terminal 2 (Baggage Claim Level) outside curb.
American Airlines DCA Terminal Map
Reagan Airport changed its terminal information recently. Terminals A, B, and C have now been changed to Terminal 1, and Terminal 2.
| PREVIOUS TERMINALS | CURRENT TERMINALS |
| Terminal A | Terminal 1 (Concourse A) |
| Terminal B/C | Terminal 2 (Concourses B, C, D, and E) |
As shown in the DCA terminal map, Terminal 2 features four Concourses (B, C, D, and E) with Gates B10-B22, C23-C34, D35-D45, and E46-E59. Likewise, Gates A1-A9 are located in Terminal 1. American Airlines operates from Gates C, D, and E in Terminal 2.
| GATES AT DCA AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 | AMERICAN AIRLINES GATES AT DCA AIRPORT |
| Gate C | Gates C23–C34 |
| Gate D | Gates D33–D45 |
| Gate E | Gates E46–E59 |
DCA American Airlines Departure Terminal
All American Airlines departure flights are operated from Terminal 2 at DCA Airport.
Amenities including Admirals Club, TSA PreCheck, Priority Benefits, Self-service Check-in, Ticket Counter, and Animal Relief Area are available at the departure terminal.
DCA American Airlines Terminal Arrivals
Like departures, all arrival flights are handled from DCA Terminal 2. Facilities including baggage claim, security clearance, animal relief area, self-service check-in, and so on are available at the arrival terminal.
Does DCA have an Admirals Club?
American Airlines offers three Admirals Club locations in Terminal 2 at DCA Airport. You can find the Admirals Club locations near Gate C24, Gate D36, and Gate E46.
| ADMIRALS CLUB LOCATION AT DCA TERMINAL 2 | OPERATING TIME & AMENITIES |
| Mezzanine Level near Gate C24 (Concourse C) | Daily 4:15 am – 8 pm Complimentary Food, and Drinks Full-Service Bar Complimentary Wi-Fi 1 Conference Room (6 seats) |
| Mezzanine Level near Gate D36 (Concourse D) | Daily 4:15 am – 9 pm Complimentary Food, and Drinks Full-Service Bar Complimentary Wi-Fi 1 Conference Room (8 seats) |
| Mezzanine Level near Gate E46 | Daily 5 am – 10:30 pm Complimentary Food, and Drinks Full-Service Bar Complimentary Wi-Fi Mother’s Room 1 Conference Room (8 seats) Attached Powder Room |
To access the Admirals Club, you need to purchase a single visit pass, become a qualified passenger for First and Business, become qualified for AAdvantage, or obtain an Admirals Club membership.
Food and Shopping Options at DCA Airport
AA passengers can visit different restaurants, and retail shops in DCA Terminal 2.
Popular Restaurants in DCA Terminal 2
| RESTAURANTS IN DCA TERMINAL 2 | LOCATION |
| Big Bowl | Post-Security (C Gates) |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Post-Security (C Gates) |
| El Centro D.F. | Post-Security (C Gates) |
| Magic Pan | Post-Security (C Gates) |
| Say SI Bon! | Post-Security (C Gates) |
| Smashburger | Post-Security (C Gates) |
| Taylor Gourmet | Post-Security (C Gates) |
| U Street Pub | Post-Security (C Gates) |
Where do you park at DCA for American Airlines?
Ronald Reagan Airport features parking lots in its vicinity. Visitors and passengers can park their vehicles by paying hourly, or daily charges. Parking 1, Parking 2, and Economy Lots are available at DCA Airport.
Parking 1 lots are especially favorable for Air Canada, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Likewise, Parking 2 lots are specified for American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines. Economy lots serve all airlines.
Parking Rates at DCA Airport
| PARKING LOTS AT DCA | RATE |
| Parking 1 | $6 per hour $29 per day |
| Parking 2 | $6 per hour $29 per day |
| Economy Lot | $19 per day |
For American Airlines customers, Parking 2 is the best location as it is connected to Terminal 2 (Gates B10-E59) via covered walkways. Besides, there are shuttle services available to all terminals. You can find electric vehicle charging stations inside Parking 2 on the ground level.
Car Rental Services at DCA Airport
There are various on-site rental car providers at Ronald Reagan Airport offering rental services to passengers. The rental car counters at the airport can be found on the first floor of Parking 1.
The airport offers two options to reach the rental car counters: Ride, and Walk.
Passengers arriving in Terminal 2 can board the airport shuttle service located on the first curb at Door 4, and Door 7 to reach the Rental Car Counters.
For walking passengers, they can follow signs towards Parking 1, and can reach the rental car counters with approximately 10-15 minutes of walk from Terminals 1 and 2.
Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty, and Sixt are the 7 on-airport rental car providers at DCA Airport. Plus, there are two companies (Avis, and Budget) offering off-airport rental with shuttle services (located on the third curb at Door 3, and Door 8 in Terminal 2) to the DCA terminals.
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Conclusion on ‘What terminal is American Airlines at DCA?’
As we come to the end of this blog, we explored American Airlines Terminal at DCA Airport with the terminal map, gates information, arrivals/departures, Admirals Club amenities, Parking facility, and much more.
Let’s conclude this blog with some fundamental points mentioned below.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is one of the major airports in the DC area that facilitates domestic, and international flights.
- DCA features a main terminal split into two passenger terminals: Terminal 1, and Terminal 2. Previously, Terminal 1 was known as Terminal A, and Terminal 2 as Terminal B/C.
- American Airlines operates from Terminal 2 (Concourse C, D, and E) at DCA Airport. All arrival and departure flights are handled from this terminal.
- AA offers three Admirals Club locations at DCA where you can enjoy complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.
- Parking 2, and Economy Lots are available in the DCA Airport for American Airlines customers.
- There are 7 on-airport, and 2 off-airport car rental companies offering services at DCA.
FAQs on American Airlines Terminal at DCA Airport
Is Terminal 2 the same as Terminal B at DCA?
The terminal information has been recently changed for DCA Airport. Previously, the terminals were named Terminal A, and Terminal B/C. Now, it is Terminal 1 for Terminal A, and Terminal 2 for Terminal B/C.
What airlines are in Terminal 2 at DCA?
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines are in Terminal 2 at DCA Airport.
Can you walk between terminals at DCA?
Passengers can move between the DCA terminals by using the terminal shuttle bus service. Gates A1-A9 and B10-B22 are connected with a walkway outside of the secure area. Passengers can move freely between Gates B10 (Concourse B) to E59 (Concourse E).
How early should I arrive at Reagan National Airport?
The DCA Airport authority advises passengers to arrive 90 to 120 minutes before their scheduled departure to ensure they have plenty of time.
