What are TSA wait times at DCA?

Current TSA security wait at DCA is About 13-19 minutes right now. The fastest time to go through security is 10 PM (about 3 min). The busiest time is 6 PM (19-25 minutes). Weekends tend to be lighter.

How busy is Ronald Reagan Washington National right now?

Current TSA security wait at DCA is About 13-19 minutes right now. Check the live conditions, weather, and FAA delay status above for a full picture of how busy DCA is right now.

What is the average delay time at Ronald Reagan Washington National?

When flights at DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National) are delayed, the average delay is about 45 minutes. Overall, 76% of flights arrive on time. About 2.2% of flights are cancelled.

What causes the most delays at Ronald Reagan Washington National?

The most common reason for delays here is air traffic and busy airspace. At DCA, 76% of flights are on time, and when delays occur they average 45 minutes.

Is it safe to book a tight connection at Ronald Reagan Washington National?

DCA sees a moderate number of delays, so we recommend at least 90 minutes for domestic connections and 2 hours for international.

What's the best time to fly from Ronald Reagan Washington National?

Early morning flights (before 8 AM) tend to have the best on-time performance at most airports, including DCA. For shorter security lines, aim for 10 PM (about 3 min). Midweek flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) also tend to see fewer delays than weekend or Monday departures.

DCA

Ronald Reagan Washington National — Washington

Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) has an on-time arrival rate of about 76%. When flights are delayed, the average wait is around 45 minutes. The most common reason for delays here is air traffic and busy airspace. Roughly 2.2% of flights are cancelled. The typical taxi-out time from gate to takeoff is about 17 minutes. TSA security wait is currently About 13-19 minutes right now. The fastest time through security is 10 PM (about 3 min). The busiest period is 6 PM (19-25 minutes).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, FAA NASSTATUS. Updated March 2026.

Last updated: March 2026

Checking conditions so you don't have to...

Flights here are on time most of the time. About 76% arrive within 15 minutes of schedule.

The most common reason for delays here is air traffic and busy airspace.

Planes usually taxi out in a reasonable time. The typical wait from gate to takeoff is about 17 minutes.

Generally mild weather year-round.

Among major airlines, F9 has the most complaints (23.2/100k) while WN has the fewest (1.5/100k).

How Busy Is DCA Right Now?

Checking live status...

DCA on-time performance by month

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TSA Wait Times at DCA

TSA Security Wait — Our Model

About 13-19 minutes right now

Fastest

10 PM (about 3 min)

Busiest

6 PM (19-25 minutes)

Weekends tend to be lighter.

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Popular routes from DCA

DCA → LGA DCA → FLL DCA → BOS DCA → CLT DCA → MIA DCA → ORD DCA → DTW DCA → TPA DCA → DEN DCA → DFW

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TSA FAQ — DCA

Source: TSA official guidelines and r/tsa community