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Cheap flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Washington (DCA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $69 for one-way flights and $138 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Delta
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Flight from Los Angeles to Washington (LAX - DCA) route information
Origin airport
Los Angeles Intl.
Destination airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United
Roundtrip price
$138
Distance
2305 mi

Los Angeles to Washington Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Los Angeles to Washington

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Los Angeles to Washington are during the month of January. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Los Angeles to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Washington: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Los Angeles to Washington

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Los Angeles to Washington in 2024. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $69 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Los Angeles to Washington flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Los Angeles to Washington airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fly from Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) to National Airport?
A direct flight with American Airlines takes approximately 4 hours and 57 minutes. Take the 1:00PM flight from LAX and touch down at National Airport at 8:57PM. Walk away with a superb deal on this route when you use Expedia to book your journey.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from LAX to DCA last minute?
Being the spontaneous type is a terrific way to discover the world, but it’s not always the best method to nab a cheap fare. Think about booking your LAX to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) journey well ahead of time instead of waiting until the last minute. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, we have found that the best time to book domestic flights is between 28 – 35 days ahead of the departure date, and international flights three to four months in advance. We recommend saving that spontaneity for when you arrive at your destination!
What airline has the least delays from LAX to DCA?
Recording an on-time arrival score of 78%, Alaska Airlines is the airline most likely to get you from Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) to DCA without a delay. Flight delays can be an excuse to head to the airport bar. However, they can also lead you to missing a connection or even ruin your entire trip. You can stay updated about delays by reviewing your flight status through the free Expedia App before you even get to the airport. If you’re already at the terminal and the delay will significantly impact your plans, head to your airline’s customer service desk to work out your next move.
What airports do you fly into for Washington from Los Angeles?
From Los Angeles, you can get to Washington through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD) and Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Be sure to check which terminal is the right option for you before you make a decision. If you settle on Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), it’s roughly 4 mi south of the city center. Use the dollars you save when booking your fare with Expedia to explore the city’s awesome attractions, such as White House and United States Capitol.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from LAX to DCA?
The most popular departure times for journeys from LAX to National Airport fall between 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM on Alaska Airlines. Our suggestion is to jet out in the morning. The earlier you set off, the better your chances of arriving on time with less air traffic around.
Can I change the date of my flight from LAX to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)?
Life can throw a spanner in your plans, so Expedia is here to help make things easier. To start, access your Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX) to DCA itinerary through the Expedia Trips portal and browse the fare conditions about what sorts of changes are allowed. If you purchased your airfare in the last 24 hours, some carriers will let you cancel for free and organize new flights. If you booked more than 24 hours ago, contact us via our Customer Service portal to learn more about your options.
*Available to One Key members.