WAS - LAX

$241 Find Cheap Flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
$446
Typical prices: $461-$831
Southwest
Sun 2/12Sun 9/12
DCA - LAX • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
$446
Typical prices: $474-$858
United Airlines
Mon 26/11Mon 26/11
IAD - LAX • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines, and others. Average duration is 5h 55m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 5% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 90% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 24 weeks in advance save around 44% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 16% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg $240 (return)
Shortest trip • 7h 25m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Start a new search
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We hope you enjoy your trip to Los Angeles!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

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

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

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

Wed, 2 Dec - Wed, 9 Dec
Southwest Logo
18:50 - 23:55DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
8h 05m1 stop Chicago Midway
Southwest Logo
13:20 - 22:20LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
6h 00m1 stop Kansas City
$446Southwest
3+ days ago
Thu, 26 Nov - Thu, 26 Nov
United Airlines Logo
06:39 - 09:31IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles
5h 52mdirect
United Airlines Logo
10:46 - 18:44LAX  Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
4h 58mdirect
$446United Airlines
2 days ago
Thu, 3 Dec - Thu, 10 Dec
JetBlue Logo
15:35 - 22:53DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
10h 18m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
06:00 - 18:00LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
9h 00m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
$447JetBlue
16 hours ago
Tue, 8 Dec - Mon, 14 Dec
Alaska Airlines Logo
09:30 - 12:34DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
6h 04mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
12:03 - 20:00LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
4h 57mdirect
$453Alaska Airlines
23 hours ago
Thu, 3 Dec - Mon, 7 Dec
United Airlines Logo
22:24 - 01:15IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles
5h 51mdirect
United Airlines Logo
21:20 - 05:09LAX  Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
4h 49mdirect
$453United Airlines
21 hours ago
Wed, 9 Dec - Sat, 12 Dec
Southwest Logo
16:00 - 22:05DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
9h 05m2 stops Omaha Eppley Airfield Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
05:05 - 14:30LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
6h 25m1 stop Dallas Love Field
$454Southwest
3+ days ago
Wed, 2 Dec - Wed, 9 Dec
Southwest Logo
13:00 - 18:10DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles
8h 10m1 stop Chicago Midway
Southwest Logo
10:10 - 22:00LAX  Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
8h 50m2 stops Dallas Love Field Nashville Intl
$460Southwest
1 day ago
Sun, 17 Jan - Sat, 23 Jan
United Airlines Logo
08:22 - 11:19IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles
5h 57mdirect
United Airlines Logo
21:30 - 05:23LAX  Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
4h 53mdirect
$460United Airlines
23 hours ago
Wed, 16 Dec - Thu, 31 Dec
United Airlines Logo
07:00 - 09:51IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles
5h 51mdirect
United Airlines Logo
21:09 - 05:05LAX  Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
4h 56mdirect
$463United Airlines
3+ days ago
Fri, 11 Dec - Sun, 20 Dec
United Airlines Logo
10:15 - 13:06IAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles
5h 51mdirect
United Airlines Logo
21:09 - 05:05LAX  Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
4h 56mdirect
$464United Airlines
3+ days ago
Booking Insights

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

Return flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles typically range from $461 to $831. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $446 on Southwest.

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

There's little price difference between Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles routes. They average around $634 return, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. It's 5% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 15% higher.

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

•September is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles at $522 return.
•March ($719) and June ($707) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 37% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

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

Flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles are cheapest 24 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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles flights

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$241
Beat the crowds with an average 17% drop in travellers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 22% increase in travellers.
One-way flight from Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport to Los Angeles

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

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

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

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles 
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-July 2024
Easy access via metro, and by car with parking available walking distance from the terminal. Lots of seating and dining options near the flight boarding gates.
BillFlew with Alaska Airlines-June 2024
At Dulles, you can spend 30 minutes getting to your AFTER clearing TSA

Your Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles 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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles?

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

    • Earliest: departs at 05:31 and lands at 11:26
    • Latest: departs at 22:37 and lands at 04:32.

    The flight takes about 5h 55m.

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

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

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

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

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

    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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles flight?

    Return flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles range from $461 to $831, with an average of $623 over the past 12 months. Anything below $461 counts as a good deal.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 40% above the $623 route average. Book 24 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average $240 return via New Orleans Louis Armstrong (MSY), compared with $639 for direct.

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

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

    • United Airlines: 90% on time
    • American Airlines: 85% on time
    • Delta: 82% on time

    On average, flights on this route are punctual 87% of the time.

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

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $50–$143 for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles flights, with 47% leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 23%, Evening flights for 23%, and Night flights for 7%.

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

    Four airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles 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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles looking right now?

    One-way fares from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $254, which is 38% below the typical average for this route.

  • Which car hire options are available at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)?

    Los Angeles Airport (LAX) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates averaging $69 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Ace
    • Thrifty
    • Hertz
    • Alamo
    • Dollar

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

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

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

    Morning 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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles?

    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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles route, 13% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 2h 53m.

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

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

    • Denver Intl (DEN) – 35% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) – 16% of one-stop connections
    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – 10% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) – 7% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 18% on flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $597 return on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $720, a difference of $123.

    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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles?

    4 airlines operate flights between Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. 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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles?

    Flying via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 7h 25m, compared to 7h 31m via Dallas Love Field (DAL) and 7h 37m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

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

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

  • What popular places can I visit in Los Angeles?

    Some of the most popular sights in Los Angeles are Venice Beach, Dodger Stadium, and Los Angeles Convention Center. These are among the most viewed places in Los Angeles on KAYAK.

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

    Among airlines operating Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles 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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport have any pet relief areas?

    If you are traveling with a pet or service animal, make sure to take note of the different pet relief areas located throughout Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. There are currently three designated zones placed outside of Terminals A, B, and C. Each of these areas is open 24 hours a day and provides guests with complimentary waste bags.

  • Are there onsite airport hotels at Los Angeles International Airport?

    While there are no hotels located on the same property as Los Angeles International Airport, there are several choices less than a 5-minute drive away. The Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel is a casual choice that is only a 3-minute drive from the airport and a 10-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, while the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport is directly across the freeway from the airport and offers a free shuttle service for guests.

  • Does Dulles International Airport have a prayer room?

    Dulles International Airport currently has one Interfaith Chapel that is located in Concourse A near Gate A32. It is free to access for all travelers, is open 24 hours a day, and contains sacred texts in a variety of languages.

  • Which terminal has the most dining options in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport?

    National Hall is known for being the terminal in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that contains the most dining options. In National Hall, you can find choices such as Chick-Fil-A, Legal Sea Foods, and Matsutake Sushi, as well as small stores and food stands that offer to-go options.

Your guide to booking Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles 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 Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Sunday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $597, about $123 less than Sunday fares (17% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 24 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 Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles trip for September. Fares historically average $522 return in that month – typically $197 less than the most expensive month, which is March (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with United Airlines. Over the past three months, 90% of United Airlines flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 87%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 53m, 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 New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages $240 return on this route – about $399 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 Los Angeles Airport.

    • Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
    • Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
    • Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
  • Hoping to book flights from Washington to Los Angeles? Make sure to consider which part of the city you will be staying in. Los Angeles International Airport is the region’s primary travel hub and is best for visitors who will be staying in the city center. Hollywood Burbank Airport is a smaller choice that is convenient for individuals staying in Northern Los Angeles.
  • If you would prefer to have a direct flight from Washington to Los Angeles, try to fly out of Dulles International Airport, as it is the largest airport in the region and offers a high concentration of flights. If you are okay with having a layover in order to fly into a smaller airport, have your final destination be Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
  • Planning on traveling with kids? Make sure to bring them to the play area located in Concourse B of Dulles International Airport. This play area features a variety of interactive games and activities, making it a convenient area for children to blow off some steam before boarding a long flight across the country.
  • If you plan on flying with American, Delta, or United Airlines, be sure to check whether you are eligible for complimentary access to their private lounges located in the Departures terminal of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. These lounges offer a variety of amenities, including free snacks, comfortable chairs, and high-speed WiFi.
  • Interested in using public transportation to travel from Los Angeles International Airport to the city center? Consider taking one of the airport’s free shuttle buses in order to end up at the city’s main bus center or the Metro Green Line Aviation Station.

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

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

Direct departures

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

Direct returns

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

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

Complete your trip to Los Angeles with a hotel stay or car hire