Climate
Andrews enjoys a varied but fairly moderate climate. The summers are usually warm and humid with July being the warmest month. The average daily temperatures range from 65 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme maximum temperatures sometimes reach more than 100 degrees. During midsummer, thunderstorms occur about one third of the month. Fog can be a problem throughout the year, most often in the early morning hours. During the winter months, it rains frequently and light snowfalls can be expected, with an occasional heavy snowfall. January is the coldest month during winter. The average daily temperatures range from 29 to 45 degrees. Annually, the average precipitation is 43 inches and average snowfall is 20 inches. In general, all four seasons can be enjoyed in the region.

Sponsors
The Military Personnel Section helps newcomers make a smooth transition to Andrews through a well-established sponsorship program. Having a sponsor enables servicemembers to take some of the worry out of moving. Ideally, gaining units will assign a sponsor close to the same Air Force specialty code, marital status, and rank.

Good communications with the sponsor is critical to a successful transition to Andrews. With advance notice and preplanning, sponsors can make arrangements for lodging and general delivery postal arrangements. Additionally, he or she will be available to greet new members of the Andrews family when they arrive, and give a tour of the base and local area.

Members within 30 days of departure who have not been informed of their sponsor should call the MPS Customer Service Section at commercial 301-981-1776 or DSN 858-1776.

Family Moving
To help your sponsor help you, advise them early of special interests in housing, schools, activities or other areas. The sponsor can help with lodging and in-processing, as well as assisting members in settling into the new working and living environment.

When moving day arrives, double-check closets and shelves to be sure they are empty. Carrying traveler’s checks, rather than large sums of cash, is also a wise choice. Be sure to hand carry any jewelry and valuable documents rather than packing them with household goods.

Make plans for transporting any pets. If unhappy or nervous, they can be very poor traveling companions - veterinarians may be able to give advice on how to make their trip more comfortable.

Finally, let a close friend or relative know the route and schedule, which will be traveled. Included overnight stops. Use that person as a message center. Also provide this information to the appointed sponsor.

Directions by Air or Train
If planning to come to the Washington, D.C., area by commercial airlines, there are three airport choices: Ronald Reagan Washington National, Washington Dulles International or Baltimore-Washington International airports. Ronald Reagan Washington National is the closest airport to Andrews.

If traveling by train, book passage to the New Carrollton train station, rather than Union Station in downtown Washington, D.C. The New Carrollton, or Beltway Station, is only a few miles north of the base, off I-495 exit 19, and is much more convenient for newcomers who arrange for their sponsors to meet them on arrival. Train reservations can be made by calling 800-USA-RAIL.

When planning an itinerary, remember the Air Force cannot provide government transportation to the base from area airports, bus terminals or train stations. There is ample taxi service available, but in Washington, D.C., as in most major urban centers, taxi fares are high. Travel fares range anywhere from $20 to $80 depending on the place of departure.

Directions by Car
Andrews is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., in Prince George’s County, Md., and borders the communities of Camp Springs, Clinton and Morningside.

The most common way to approach Andrews is on I-95⁄495, usually referred to as the Capital Beltway. Whether approaching Andrews from Virginia or Maryland, use Maryland exit 9, Allentown Road, Andrews AFB, State Route 337. If coming from Virginia, make a left where the exit intersects with Allentown Road. The main gate is just a few hundred yards on the right. If coming from Maryland make a right turn from Exit 9 onto Forestville Road, go across the overpass and make another right onto Allentown Road. Make a left at the first traffic light, Suitland Road, to enter the Main Gate.

Andrews can also be accessed by taking either exit 7A or 11, if exit 9 was missed. From exit 7A ‘‘Branch Avenue, Waldorf, Route 5,” stay on Branch Avenue for approximately one mile and make a left turn onto Allentown Road, Route 337.

When taking exit 11, take the off-ramp marked ‘‘Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, Route 4.” Stay on Route 4 and follow the signs to the North Gate. Be aware the North Gate hours vary.

Over-sized vehicles and trucks must use the Pearl Harbor Gate located on Dower House Road. To reach the Pearl Harbor Gate, take exit 11 marked ‘‘Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, Route 4,” stay to the right and merge onto Marlboro Pike. Proceed on Marlboro Pike and take the first right onto ‘‘Dower House Road.” Follow Dower House Road approximately one mile and take a right onto Pearl Harbor Drive.

When arriving at Andrews, by any gate, newcomers can ask a gate guard for directions to the newcomer’s 24-hour arrival point located at The Gateway Inn.

Temporary Lodging
All members planning travel to Andrews are advised to make lodging reservations at least 60 days prior to their planned date of arrival. Space-A travelers can only make reservations three days in advance and for three days at a time.

Gateway Inn room rates are $39 and $42.50 based on room amenities; Temporary Lodging Facility units are $52. The units are available to servicemembers making a permanent change of station move to or from Andrews, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations are made up to 30 days in advance, space permitting, for those in processing and ten days for those out processing.

The units are equipped with limited housekeeping. Pets are allowed in the pet friendly TLFs for an additional charge of $10 per night, two pets per room, and dog and cat only.

Members may check in at 2 p.m. or as soon as a room is available. If members who have a reservation arrive after 6 p.m., they may hold the room with a valid Visa or Master Card. Extensions may also be requested at the same number. If the guest doesn’t have a Visa or Master Card on file and will arrive after 6 p.m. on the night of the reservation, the reservation will be cancelled.

Checkout time is 11 a.m for all units except TLF where check-out is at 10 a.m.

Reservations can be made in advance by calling the lodging office front desk at 301-981-4614 or DSN 858-4614, extension 0, for individual reservations. Groups of 10 or more should call 301-981-9668 or DSN 858-9668 for reservations. Reservations are taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The highest call volume is between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

If no temporary quarters are available on base, the lodging office can provide a list of local hotels and motels that may offer special military rates. The base housing office can also provide a list of short-term accommodations.

Household Goods
In the National Capital Region, the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office at Fort Belvoir, Alexandria, Va., handles all household goods for all servicemembers assigned to the area.

Immediately upon arrival, call 703-806-4900 or 800-762-7186 and leave contact information to be reached for household good deliveries. It is also wise to leave the sponsor’s name and phone number or duty section phone number as an alternative way to be reached. Delivery hours for property are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

If household goods sustain any damage or loss during shipment, members are entitled to submit a claim for reimbursement. This is done through the base legal office.

Emergency medical treatment
Although no one likes to think about being sick or injured, it’s important servicemembers know how to get medical and dental care while on leave, temporary duty or en route to Andrews.

These procedures are as follows: In the event of an emergency, civilian or military members should always go directly to the nearest emergency room. This includes, but isn't limited to, any sudden illness or injury requiring immediate attention such as chest pain, shortness of breath, allergic reaction, bleeding, poisoning, burns, etc.