Planning to fly out of Dulles next week and was wondering whether anyone has had a problem finding parking spots in the long-term lot at IAD. Also, how long a wait for the shuttle? I'm traveling with children and heavy luggage so hoping everything is working reasonably well. I haven't flown since 9/11 and want to be prepared for any/all delays esp. with kids!

We use the long-term lots ALL the time. I just flew a week ago, and had no problems. We always park in the purple lot, which is the farthest from the parking lot entrance. However, the shuttles serve only each colored lot, and the purple bus has an exit in the back of the lot to get straight back on the road. By parking back there, we don't spend forever looking for spaces up front - just drive to the back, park, and hop on the bus. I've typically only waited for the bus 5 mins. at the max on busy weekends (i.e. labor day). Last week a bus was waiting in the lot, and pulled up right accross from my car. As far as traveling with heavy luggage, as long as you can get it in/out of your car without too much of a problem, you shouldn't have troubles with the bus.

There were not any delays at the airport, security or otherwise. I was at the gate within 30 mins. of pulling into the parking lot.

Hope this helps.

KWL: THanks for your reply. Just the type of info I was looking for. I guess the purple lot is the answer. You seem to fly often; tell me these days how long before a domestic flight do you feel is necessary to arrive? Once again it's a question of my 5 and 7 year old getting too antsy if they're sitting in a terminal forever before having to sit on a 5 hour flight.

Karen - Unfortunately I don't really fly that often, and only twice since 9/11. I would say that both times I have tried to heed the 90 min. rule (standard for United), and have had extra time at the gate. That might be partially due to the fact that I have only traveled with carry-ons. Plus last time my flight was over an hour delayed, so I ended up waiting 2 1/2 hours. With kids, I would make sure you call the airline so that you aren't there too early if the flight is delayed. And, then, I probably would just make sure you arrive at the parking lot with maybe an hour 15 min. prior. That would give you 1/2 hour to get from the parking, through security, and onto the trams. Plenty of time, I think. I would guess it always depends on the day of the week (i.e. Tues. afternoon would be empty in the airport). You just need to decide where your comfort level is.

Another word of advice is to check your luggage at the skycap prior to parking. That way you won't be dealing with your heavy luggage getting to the airport (when time is most valuable) and won't have to wait in lines. That's what we've done in the past, and unfortunately with carry-ons only since 9/11, I can't tell you what the lines look like.

Please post again if you need any other info.

Does anyone know the long term lot rate? Thanks...