Which Flight Should I Pick
 

I want to see a play at 3 PM at the Warner theater on 9/23 There are two flights I can take. One arrives at Dulles at 1:08 and the other arrives at National at 2:20. If I arrive at National at 2:20 could I reach the theater by 3 if I take a taxi? I doubt that I would be able to take the metro and get there on time. My other question pertains to IAD. I know that there is a shuttle that leaves around 1:35 from IAD and goes to Lefant Plaza. It runs once an hour so I am wondering what people think about the odds of me catching it? I would prefer not to take the flight into IAD if I would have to pay for the long taxi ride. Also, the flight leaves by departure city earlier than I would like. However, I do not want to arrive late to the theater. So, if I arrive at DCA at 2:20 will I make the theater(I have no luggage), if I goto IAD what are the odds of me catching the shuttle, and what flight would people here pick?

You're joking right? Most flights are delayed these days for one reason or another. IF you are certain one flight will arrive at exactly 1:08, that is the one you should take.

It will take you an hour at least to get into the city from Dulles by shuttle. Your times are not realistic. Add 10-20 mins for delays in flights and 20-30 mins to get your bags.

Shuttles always run late. I would leave in the morning as the 1:08 offers no guarantee.

Three times now flying to New York and scheduled to arrive there by 3 or so in the afternoon, we came very close to missing our evening shows at 8 PM. The odds of any flight being on time (especially when you have plans) are not great.

If you have a carry-on bag only, I think you could make it if you take the flight that arrives at Dulles at 1:08, but I would take a cab from IAD and not waste the extra bit of time on the shuttle. You'll need every second. Remember that the arrival time is the time the plane raches the gate; getting off the plane and walking to a taxi will take at least 10 extra minutes. Cab shouldn't take more than an hour at that time of day. And all this is assuming the flight lands right on time.

The 2:20 flight into National puts you into a taxi no earlier than 2:30. If you catch a cab immediately and there's zero traffic you'd make the curtain at the Warner Theater, but if not...

Good luck! (Any chance of an earlier flight??)

Just remembered that at Dulles you often have to take a tram type thing from the gate--that will add at least 10 minutes to your timing, but I'd still choose the Dulles flight.

I'd personally look for an earlier flight. Even the 1:08 arrival would be a REALLY tall order to make it to the theatre. You leave out where you are flying from - but that info would help us find you other possibilities

1:08 arrival - ALL the gods will need to shine on you favorably. And the shuttle driver too.

2:20 arrival - no, Hell no.

I have no idea of these specific logistics, but from the official landing time of a plane, until the time you exit the airport to ground transportation you need to allow at least 15 - 25 mins... just for that imo!

I agree. It seems about half of all flights are an hour late or so. 50/50 is not good odds if you must be in town for a 3:00pm show (seated at 2:50?).

I just don't believe that 1:08 and 2:20 mean anything - except what MAY happen if the stars align.

Neither flight is great realistically. You really migh want to consider taking the 2:20 DCA arrival a day early!!

Then you would definitely make the show!

Also depending on weather your flight could be seriously delayed or cancelled. If you are trying to make a show, come in the day before and then you won't have a problem getting to the theatre on time.

Hi. Thanks for the responses. I am unable to leave a day earlier and those are the only two options that I can take since I will not be leaving from SE Florida prior to noon. At least if I miss the play I can always see it when it comes to Miami, which is around 80 minutes from me(on a good day when there is no rain and no traffic).