Is a 1-Hour Layover Enough at DCA?
Ronald Reagan Washington National — Washington
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Risky — 22% miss rate
It's risky — a 1 hour layover at DCA gives you about a 22% chance of missing your connection.
22%
Miss Rate
77%
On-Time Rate
78m
Avg Delay
Why 60 Minutes Is Risky at DCA
A 60-minute connection at DCA is risky. Based on delay patterns, roughly 22% of travelers on connections like this would miss their flight. We recommend at least 139 minutes.
·Airport reliability: DCA has a 77% on-time rate
−High average delay: When flights are late at DCA, the average delay is 78 minutes
−Long taxi times: Planes at DCA typically sit on the runway for 21 minutes before takeoff
Minimum Connection Time at DCA
45m
Domestic
90m
International
Your 60-minute layover gives you 15 minutes of buffer above the 45-minute domestic minimum. That's a reasonable buffer, but winter weather or afternoon delays can still cause problems.
Terminal Transfers at DCA
How to transfer: Walking between terminals; all connected post-security
Transfer time: 5-12 minutes between terminals
✓TSA re-screening: Not required between terminals — All terminals are connected airside via walkways. No re-screening needed.
Compare Other Layover Times at DCA
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What to Do Instead
- →Look for itineraries with 139+ minute layovers at DCA
- →Consider a direct flight if available
- →Book both legs on the same ticket (airline must rebook you if you miss the connection)
- →Choose an early morning first leg — morning flights are delayed less often
Check a Different Layover Time
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