LAX - WAS

$240 Find Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
$419
Typical prices: $478-$846
Southwest
Mon 3/12Wed 5/12
LAX - DCA • 2 stops
Cheapest direct flights
$425
Typical prices: $496-$878
United Airlines
Sun 18/11Mon 19/11
LAX - IAD • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines, and others. Average duration is 4h 55m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 4% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 91% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 13 weeks in advance save around 44% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 13% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg $393 (return)
Shortest trip • 7h 18m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Start a new search
KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you enjoy your trip to Washington, D.C.!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. (LAX-WAS)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.

Thu, 3 Dec - Sat, 5 Dec
Southwest Logo
09:25 - 21:55LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
9h 30m2 stops San Antonio Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Southwest Logo
07:25 - 18:50DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
14h 25m2 stops Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$419Southwest
3+ days ago
Wed, 9 Dec - Sun, 13 Dec
Alaska Airlines Logo
12:03 - 20:00LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
4h 57mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
18:59 - 08:37DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
16h 38m1 stop San Francisco
$423Alaska Airlines
1 day ago
Wed, 18 Nov - Thu, 19 Nov
United Airlines Logo
10:46 - 18:43LAX  Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
4h 57mdirect
United Airlines Logo
06:39 - 09:29IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles
5h 50mdirect
$425United Airlines
2 days ago
Thu, 19 Nov - Fri, 20 Nov
Southwest Logo
07:40 - 16:55LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
6h 15m1 stop Kansas City
Southwest Logo
17:45 - 22:35DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
7h 50m1 stop Kansas City
$425Southwest
3+ days ago
Wed, 18 Nov - Wed, 2 Dec
JetBlue Logo
08:30 - 21:00LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
9h 30m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue Logo
06:00 - 12:12DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
9h 12m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
$426JetBlue
1 day ago
Sun, 22 Nov - Thu, 3 Dec
United Airlines Logo
22:35 - 06:17LAX  Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
4h 42mdirect
United Airlines Logo
07:00 - 09:51IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles
5h 51mdirect
$428United Airlines
1 day ago
Thu, 3 Dec - Sun, 6 Dec
Southwest Logo
13:20 - 22:20LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
6h 00m1 stop Kansas City
Southwest Logo
13:35 - 21:15DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
10h 40m1 stop Dallas Love Field
$430Southwest
1 day ago
Wed, 18 Nov - Fri, 20 Nov
Southwest Logo
10:10 - 22:00LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
8h 50m2 stops Dallas Love Field Nashville Intl
Southwest Logo
17:45 - 22:35DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
7h 50m1 stop Kansas City
$432Southwest
3+ days ago
Fri, 11 Dec - Sun, 13 Dec
United Airlines Logo
16:45 - 00:39LAX  Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
4h 54mdirect
United Airlines Logo
22:24 - 01:15IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles
5h 51mdirect
$438United Airlines
2 days ago
Wed, 18 Nov - Tue, 1 Dec
Southwest Logo
07:40 - 16:55LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
6h 15m1 stop Kansas City
Southwest Logo
16:20 - 23:35DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
10h 15m1 stop Nashville Intl
$438Southwest
2 days ago
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a return flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

Return flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. typically range from $478 to $846. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $419 on Southwest.

What is the cheapest Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flight route?

There's little price difference between Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. routes. They average around $651 return, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.. It's 8% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 26% higher.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

•February is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. at $563 return.
•June ($729) and March ($715) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 29% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. the cheapest?

Flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. are cheapest 13 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 44% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$240
Beat the crowds with an average 20% drop in travellers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 25% increase in travellers.
One-way flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport

When to book flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. 
karenFlew with Alaska Airlines-June 2024
Personal tips are bring your own food if you're hungry; keep foot space as open as possible for leg room; pack your patience
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-June 2024
Get to the airport on time because traffic in LA is unexpected

Your Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.:

    • Earliest: departs at 07:35 and lands at 12:30
    • Latest: departs at 23:59 and lands at 04:54.

    The flight takes about 4h 55m.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    Only Economy class is available on flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C..

  • How long is a flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    A direct flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. takes 4h 55m, covering 5,968 km.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need another form of identification, such as a driving licence.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flight?

    Return flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. range from $478 to $846, with an average of $646 over the past 12 months. Anything below $478 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 34% above the $646 route average. Book 13 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by having a stopover when flying from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average $393 return via Boston Logan Intl (BOS), compared with $668 for direct.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    United Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while Delta has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights are:

    • United Airlines: 91% on time
    • Delta: 88% on time
    • American Airlines: 86% on time

    On average, flights on this route are punctual 89% of the time.

  • What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $50–$142 for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • How are flight departures from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights, with 34% leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 33%, Night flights for 33%, and Evening flights for 0%.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights?

    Four airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights:

    • American Airlines
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Delta
    • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty programme, while others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

  • How are flight prices from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. looking right now?

    One-way fares from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $248, which is 40% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car hire options are available in Washington, D.C.?

    Since Washington, D.C. is served by multiple airports, car hire options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport (DCA) – daily rates from around $101:

    • Sixt
    • Dollar
    • Thrifty
    • Hertz
    • Alamo

    Near Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport (IAD) – daily rates from around $99:

    • Dollar
    • Hertz
    • Budget
    • Sixt
    • Thrifty

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    Flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. usually depart from Los Angeles (LAX) and may arrive at several airports in Washington, D.C. area, including Washington, D.C. Reagan-National (DCA) and Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    Night flights have the fewest delays on this route, while afternoon departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. route, 11% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 2h 48m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. pass through?

    One-stop flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. most commonly connect through:

    • Denver Intl (DEN) – 39% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) – 12% of one-stop connections
    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – 8% of one-stop connections
    • Charlotte Douglas (CLT) – 7% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 27% on flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $597 return on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $815, a difference of $219.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to three days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    4 airlines operate flights between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.. The airlines offering direct flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Delta

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

    Flying via Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 7h 18m, compared to 7h 28m via Chicago Midway (MDW) and 7h 29m via Nashville Intl (BNA).

  • What is the time difference between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.?

    Washington, D.C. is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles (Eastern Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Washington, D.C.?

    Some of the most popular sights in Washington, D.C. are Grand Hyatt Washington, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and JW Marriott Washington, DC. These are among the most viewed places in Washington, D.C. on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights?

    Among airlines operating Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Alaska Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Delta: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class

    Baggage allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route, and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • Does Baltimore International Airport have a pet relief area?

    If you are traveling with a pet or security animal, it’s a good idea to bring them to a pet relief area after your flight has landed. Baltimore International Airport currently has 3 pet relief areas, one of which is located pre-security near the parking garage, and two more are found throughout the different departure terminals. These relief areas are open 24 hours a day and provide travelers with complimentary waste bags.

  • What are good hotels near Baltimore / Washington International Airport?

    The Holiday Inn is a simple choice that is located a 2-minute drive from Baltimore International Airport and offers a free shuttle service for guests. The Hilton is a modern choice that is a 3-minute drive from the airport and only a 15-minute drive from downtown Baltimore.

  • Does Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport have a prayer room?

    Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport currently has one Interfaith Chapel that is located towards the end of Concourse B. This chapel hosts several religious services every Sunday and is open to the public during the week for travelers to have personal prayer time.

  • Does Dulles International Airport have a military lounge?

    If you or a member of your family are an active military member, make sure to stop by the USO Lounge located in the Arrivals wind of Dulles International Airport. This lounge provides a variety of free amenities, including access to showers, complimentary snacks, and comfortable chairs, making it a nice place to relax after a long flight.

Your guide to booking Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure and avoid flying on Sunday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $597, about $219 less than Sunday fares (27% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 13 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 44% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. trip for February. Fares historically average $563 return in that month – typically $166 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with United Airlines. Over the past three months, 91% of United Airlines flights from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 89%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 48m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages $393 return on this route – about $275 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport.

    • Hyatt House Washington DC The Wharf
    • Intercontinental Hotels Washington D.C. - The Wharf By IHG
    • Canopy by Hilton Washington D.C - The Wharf
  • Interested in purchasing flights from Los Angeles to Washington? Make sure to take into consideration where you will be staying in the city. While Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a convenient choice for travelers staying in the city center, Baltimore International Airport is a better choice for those heading to the D.C. suburbs in Maryland. Finally, Dulles International Airport is a practical option for anyone that plans to stay in Virginia.
  • Planning on traveling with your family? Bring your kids to the NASA-themed play area located in Concourse B of Dulles International Airport. This play area is filled with interactive games, toys, and activities, making it an easy way for children to unwind after being cooped up in a plane for several hours.
  • Hoping to have a direct flight from Los Angeles to Washington? Consider booking your ticket with United Airlines, as this company offers many direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to both Dulles International Airport and Baltimore International Airport. Travelers can also pay a small fee to upgrade to Economy Plus and receive more legroom.
  • If you need to unwind after your flight has landed, pay a visit to the meditation room located between Concourses D and E of Baltimore International Airport. This quiet space is open to all travelers and is a convenient place to clear your mind and de-stress after a long day of traveling.
  • For travelers who would like to use public transportation to move from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to downtown Washington, consider taking the local metro. There is a stop connected directly to the airport and it is an affordable way to move throughout the entire D.C. area.

Prefer to fly direct from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Los Angeles Airport to Washington, D.C., which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C.

Complete your trip to Washington, D.C. with a hotel stay or car hire