V-Flyer

We have flights booked to IAD, and are thinking of internal flights to (probably) Dallas. Flight out of IAD is timed at 18.40, and there's a choice of connecting flights from DFW - one landing at 13.05, the other at 14.50.

Has anyone done this route/connection and, if so, which time would you recommend? I want to leave enough time to get the onward flight, but would like to avoid a lengthy layover, if possible...

I got confused, you have "flights booked to IAD" but have a connecting flight out of Dulles at 18.40 but then "a choice of connecting flights from DFW - one landing at 13.05, the other at 14.50". Am I confused or are you mixing stuff up?

At IAD my advice having done this a lot, is to give 3 hours between arriving on VS and connecting, if that helps.

Sorry to confuse! Yes, what I mean is that we have flights arranged from IAD, to leave at 18.40. But thanks for the advice about leaving a 3 hour interval - big help!

Cat if you have booked the later connection most US airlines are a lot more flexible about allowing people to fly on earlier flights - especially if it helps them so worth asking when you get through customs and immegration at IAD to see if they can put you on an earlier flight out.

Thanks for the advice. New territory for us.

Now, just to find a suitable house to rent....

OK now I know. IAD is not a nice airport to transfer from international to domestic in, hence the time period. Basically, you exit the aeroplane, most likely take one of the weird buses to immigration from a satellite terminal, immigration can be a chore (anything from 10 minutes to 90 minutes), then find your bags and go through customs, then recheck, then get the underground train back to a satellite terminal, then wait for your flight. At least the terminals are light, spacious and have lots to offer if you do end up with a wait (oh and they even still have smoking rooms!).

Sounds like fun We have flown into IAD before, some years ago, but I really can't remember what it was like.

As an aside, possible destinations include Dallas, San Antonio and/or Austin. Can anyone shed any light on which of these is good/better to visit?

catsilversword wrote:Sounds like fun We have flown into IAD before, some years ago, but I really can't remember what it was like.

As an aside, possible destinations include Dallas, San Antonio and/or Austin. Can anyone shed any light on which of these is good/better to visit?

Austin without a doubt, most interesting city in Texas, great bars and restaurants, lively city.

Dallas I have to visit, we have an office there, but I loathe it, it's dull and everything is miles from everything else.

San Antonio has more history ...

Wonderful. We were thinking Austin looked the most appealing,but always good to have the views of someone who's actually been. Thanks a million slinky.