In November 1962, Washington Dulles Airport, now called Dulles International Airport (IAD), opened as a major hub for air connections between the east coast and the west coast. Today the airport handles flights for thirty-one airlines (Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Continental, Delta, jetBlue, Southwest, United, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and more) and sees an average of 27 million travelers every year.

Dulles International Airport, located in Dulles, Virginia, is approximately thirty miles from the center of Washington D.C. What impresses many airline passengers is that the airport's 11,830 acres is spread out over two counties. So while a plane might land in Fairfax County, most of the terminals and concourses are in Loudoun County.

Within Dulles International Airport, there is one main terminal (128 gates) and five concourses (A, B, C, D, Z). Passengers are shuttled to the concourse they need by mobile lounges and "plane mates." The mobile lounge fits approximately 100 passengers, while the smaller "plane mates," referred to as Gate B or Gate H, make it possible for passengers to board the plane straight from their 15-foot high shuttle. Those flying to or from Concourse B have the option of using the new walkway that has moving sidewalks to make travel easy.

Travelers who are driving to Dulles International Airport should be aware that there are five parking options: The economy lot, hourly lot, two daily garages, and valet parking. There are around 25,000 parking spaces in all and those picking up incoming air passengers can wait in the free "Cell Phone Waiting Area" to make things easier.

The first twenty minutes of parking is free in the main parking lots and garages, after that the rates vary:

Cell Phone Waiting Area - Cell Phone Waiting Area is a small lot that allows vehicles to remain parked in a spot for free for up to one hour. The driver of the vehicle must remain in the car. Commercial vehicles are not allowed. If flights are delayed, a person parked in the Cell Phone Waiting Area will need to then move to another lot. When the passenger arrives, the driver simply tells them the number of the door closest to his or her parking space and the incoming passenger then exits the airport to the cell phone waiting area.

The Daily Garages are $5 per hour with a maximum of $15 per day. The garages are a short walk from the main terminal via covered walkways. Free shuttle service is also available. Handicapped parking spaces are available closest to the covered walkways. Passengers can call and request a free shuttle with a wheelchair lift. Vehicles using the Daily Garages cannot be higher than eight feet two inches.

Hourly Parking - Hourly parking is best for those who are dropping off or picking up passengers. The lot is right near the main terminal and costs $4 per hour or $36 per day. Vehicles in the Hourly Lot must not be higher than ten and a half feet. The handicapped spaces in this area are located near the paths into the main terminal.

The Pay & Go system helps make parking a snap. Travelers should tuck their parking ticket into their wallet or purse. When it comes time to leave the airport, they go to one of the Pay & Go machines found in the main terminal and run it through the machine. The machine tallies up the total parking charge and payment can be made in cash or by credit card. A receipt is printed. After returning to his or her car, the driver simply pulls up to a Pay & Go lane, scans the receipt and the gate will open.

All vehicles must not be parked for more than thirty days. Those who fail to follow this rule will face a $50 towing fee and storage fee of $15 per day.

For more information on parking at Dulles International Airport, passengers can call 703-572-4500 or tune to AM 530 when in the Dulles area.

Long Term Parking - The long term parking is the best solution for long term parking. The Economy Parking Lot provides free shuttle service to the main terminal. Those using the Economy Parking Lot pay $3 per hour with a maximum of $9 per day. Handicapped parking spaces are available and are located near the bus shelter. Passengers can call and request a free shuttle with a wheelchair lift. Vehicles in the Economy Lot must not be higher than fourteen feet.

Valet Parking - Valet parking is $30 for the first 24 hours and then $17 per day afterwards. Reservations are not necessary. Valets will park traveler's cars in the Hourly Parking Lot.