Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Common Complaints

• Customs and Immigration Wait Times: This is a recurring and significant complaint, with many international travelers reporting extremely long waits, sometimes exceeding two hours, due to understaffing and inefficient processing. Even with Mobile Passport or Global Entry, waits can be substantial, though generally shorter.
• Outdated and Inefficient Internal Transportation: The reliance on mobile lounges (people movers/buses) for connecting to some concourses (especially D) and for international arrivals to immigration is widely criticized as slow, inefficient, crowded, and dated. The walk to the main terminal from concourses can also be long and "boring."
• Dull and Dated Concourses and Amenities: Beyond the main terminal's architecture, many concourses, particularly Concourse D, are described as old, tired, crowded, and lacking natural light. There are complaints about a poor range of dining options, especially after security in the main terminal and late at night, and a lack of comfortable seating without armrests, described as "hostile architecture."
• Poor Signage and Wayfinding: Some travelers experience difficulty with signage, particularly for connecting flights after international arrivals.
• Traffic and Parking Issues: Issues with "horrendous traffic" for drop-offs and pick-ups are reported, partly due to valet parking occupying lanes. While economy parking with shuttles is available, shuttle reliability can be a concern, especially during early morning hours.
• Subpar WiFi and Cell Coverage: Several reviews mention consistently poor airport Wi-Fi and limited cell coverage, making connectivity challenging.

Overall, Washington Dulles International Airport presents a challenging experience for many travelers, particularly those arriving internationally. While there are some positives like airport cleanliness and staff, the persistent issues with customs wait times, outdated internal transportation, and limited modern amenities significantly impact overall satisfaction. Travelers are advised to allocate ample time, especially for international arrivals, and consider expedited services like Global Entry.