I have not flown United in years - but a direct offer to Buenos Aires caught my eye and we are off - direct IAD to EZE..
Because we are driving to IAD we will arrive 4 hours early taking Dc traffic into consideration and I am asking couple questions of those who would know--
- best TSA line to find? (read that there are many in IAD)

- Given a red carpet offer - Which one to hang out in (apparently there are 3)

and last - how Is United, Economy Plus to South America - any views? Any freebies -LOL
entertainment?

We have been lucky on our trips to Europe on European carriers, and would love a heads up on what to expect with United, esp since I am dealing with a few health issues, but not enough to keep me home...I hope.
Thanks!

Security was changed not too long ago at IAD. U reach it from the downstairs now and its huge. There is one main TSA security screening area at IAD. (Not sure if there is still the separate area for people with special clearance.) The security line is broken into regular people and those with biz/1st class or preferential treatment. The 2 lines merge at some point, but u start with a shorter line if u r biz/1st class or preferential. I've been in both and have never waited more than maybe 20 minutes at the most. U can get to the security screening area from various points at IAD (lots of signage). I generally get to it from the UA area. As u approach the area there is a TSA person who will motion u to which line to go to. It has the zigzag lines like Disneyland, if u know what I mean.

In terms of Red Carpet I always go to the one closest to my gate and can't say that I've noticed any difference between them. I have never been in the First Class Red carpet lounge - just the one for regular folks flying biz class or RCC members. U could try flyer talk for more info on the various lounges.

I've not flown E+ to EZE, so can't address that specifically. But in general E+ seats are far better than regular economy as there is maybe 3-5 inches or so of extra legroom and it makes all the difference. Seat width is the same in E= and regular economy.

In terms of traffic to IAD assuming u are likely taking the 10 pm flight out of IAD to EZE, leaving from the DC area, u shouldn't run into heavy traffic if u leave the DC area say 7 pm or later. If u leave a lot earlier u will have more traffic as u will hit rush hour. Of course all bets are off if there is inclement weather. Also at IAD there is the rush time between 3:30ish until about 6ish then it calms down out there also. If you arrive at IAD 2 hours early for a 10 pm flight u will have plenty of time. Where are you driving from?

Enjoy BA -- its fabulous!

yestravel, thanks so much - i hav"e read many of your postings and reports. great info and I truly appreciate it. We are 2 hrs South of DC and are getting ready to go. UA sent me online this am to print boarding passes which was nice; I've never been able to do that internationally but maybe once or twice - other issues -so knowing that is one line I can forget about helps (small l0lb duffle bag for 2 wks..I am totally impressed with myself LOL the FORMER overpacker.
Then,they
and gave me Priority security - whatever that is worth (!) but thanks for the directional around IAD for sure.
We are using the lounge just for more comfort waiting as I recently had some severe back issues and we are just trying to keep it from flaring! Hate this old crap!

Thanks a bunch I knew someone would have the answers!

Can't wait for BA - then on to Patagoina!

MB

We'll be following u down -- Chile & Patagonia and then BA. Have a safe and hopefully comfortable flight.

My daughter flew BOS-IAD-EZE RT southbound in July, northbound this past December in Economy Plus. Can't comment on security since she had a connecting flight with luggage checked thru.

She is 20 and weighs just over 100 pounds - so width of seat was not an issue. She found the extra leg room increased comfort. As far as views - it is an overnight flight, most of it over land. So there was not much to see. On both trips the E+ section was not full, and she had at least 1 extra seat in her row - perhaps you will be similarly lucky.

We flew E+ from Zurich to IAD on the return trip because after the flight over I could barely stand and walk off the plane. On subsequent trips from IAD to the Netherlands, San Francisco, and Albuquerque we also flew E+. The extra four or five inches of leg room makes a world of difference to us.