I'm in a VERY similar spot to OP, except I live the same distance west. And I know I66 to Fairfax County Parkway/I395 are all over the place sometimes for no reason.

Thing is, IAD is closer to the point a 2hr call wouldnt be but a thing. But the regional carriers out of DCA have a number of quality bits about them that make them all the more attractive. And when it comes down to it, I'd love pick Republic and live it out at DCA.

I mean...in the long run of being an entry-level FO, going through reserve would be the unpredictable part since once you hold a line you're able to backward plan your trips and the drive time becomes something that you can anticpate, right?