How to Kill Time at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located 3 miles from Washington, D.C., and serves approximately 44,000 passengers daily. Travelers who are delayed or in between flights can find relaxation in National Hall, a shopping mall featuring specialty merchandise and a variety of popular eateries.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Clocks
• Comfortable Shoes
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Kits
• Travel Pillows
• Paperback Books
• Travel Magazines
• Airline Tickets
• E-mail Accounts
• Travel Services
• Athletic Gear
• Travel Games
• Telephone Calling Cards

For the Adults

1. Figure out how much free time you will actually have. Check to see if your flight is late and whether it will arrive or depart in Terminal A, B or C.

2. Stroll through the B/C terminal building and enjoy its art exhibits, located throughout the building.

3. Shop 'til you drop for educational toys; toys for adults; gifts from the Smithsonian, Washington Zoo and NASA; apparel; jewelry; perfume; electronics; sporting goods; and tapes, CDs and videos. Be aware that you may have to check in or mail larger items (see Warnings, below).

4. Relax in any of a variety of popular restaurants. Sit-down choices include TGI Fridays, Legal Seafoods of Boston, Charlie Mann's All-Pro Grill, Great Steak and Potato, and Samuel Adams/DC Brewhouse.

5. Indulge your caffeine and pastry cravings by munching your way through certain eateries located throughout National Hall, located along the entire length of the new B/C terminal building on Level 2. Let your nose lead the way.

For the Kids

6. Cater to your kids' interests if they are with you to keep them from getting antsy, which can lead to irritating whining. You also want to tire them out before they get on the plane. Walking the length of the mall should help you achieve this dream.

7. Take older children to video game rooms located in each terminal, but stay with them.

8. Pick eateries that will please children's palates. That shouldn't be a problem in National Hall, where you can dine on pizza, Chinese food, sub sandwiches, burgers, ice cream, pretzels and bagels, among other entrees.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are departing on a flight, you must check in at your gate at least an hour before the flight, or earlier for international flights. Check with your airline.
• Keep in mind that many airlines have new carry-on restrictions, and you may have to check in larger purchases or have them shipped.

on 11/22/2005 Take a short walk (or taxi ride) north of the airport to Gravelly Point, a park located at the end of the airport's main runway. Both children and adults will enjoy the outdoor atmosphere and the many airplanes passing just overhead.