WAS - LAX

$213 Find Cheap Flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
$383
Typical prices: $435-$783
Alaska Airlines
Fri 12/1Tue 23/1
DCA - LAX • Direct
Cheapest one-way flight
$213
Typical prices: $264-$498
Southwest
Mon 17/12
DCA - LAX • 1 stop
Direct flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines, and others. Average duration is 5h 44m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 4% 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 20 weeks in advance save around 40% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 18% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg $233 (return)
Shortest trip • 7h 28m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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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

Tue, 12 Jan - Sat, 23 Jan
Alaska Airlines Logo
09:30 - 12:30DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
6h 00mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
12:04 - 20:00LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
4h 56mdirect
$383Alaska Airlines
Fri, 11 Dec - Wed, 16 Dec
JetBlue Logo
06:15 - 12:20DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 05m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
JetBlue Logo
11:30 - 22:52LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
8h 22m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
$395JetBlue
Fri, 11 Dec - Mon, 14 Dec
JetBlue Logo
06:15 - 12:20DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 05m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
JetBlue Logo
22:30 - 12:00LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
10h 30m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
$400JetBlue
Fri, 4 Dec - Tue, 8 Dec
Southwest Logo
11:40 - 16:30DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
7h 50m1 stop Houston Hobby
Southwest Logo
13:20 - 22:20LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
6h 00m1 stop Kansas City
$404Southwest
Fri, 2 Oct - Sat, 3 Oct
Southwest Logo
06:05 - 13:15DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
10h 10m1 stop Houston Hobby
Southwest Logo
00:40 - 12:20LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
8h 40m1 stop Houston Hobby
$411Southwest
Fri, 13 Nov - Mon, 16 Nov
Southwest Logo
16:05 - 23:15DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
10h 10m2 stops Omaha Eppley Airfield Dallas Love Field
Southwest Logo
13:20 - 22:20LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
6h 00m1 stop Kansas City
$413Southwest
Tue, 17 Nov - Thu, 26 Nov
JetBlue Logo
06:15 - 12:33DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 18m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
JetBlue Logo
12:00 - 22:52LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
7h 52m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
$414JetBlue
Sat, 3 Oct - Sat, 3 Oct
Southwest Logo
13:00 - 19:10DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 10m2 stops Chicago Midway Austin Bergstrom
Southwest Logo
00:40 - 12:20LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
8h 40m1 stop Houston Hobby
$418Southwest
Fri, 4 Dec - Mon, 7 Dec
Southwest Logo
16:00 - 22:00DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 00m2 stops Omaha Eppley Airfield Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
10:10 - 21:55LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
8h 45m2 stops Dallas Love Field Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$425Southwest
Sat, 24 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct
Southwest Logo
13:00 - 19:15DCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 15m2 stops Chicago Midway Austin Bergstrom
Southwest Logo
05:30 - 20:00LAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
11h 30m1 stop Houston Hobby
$426Southwest
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 from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles 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 start at $383. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical return fares ranging from $435 to $783. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $383 on Alaska Airlines.

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 $594 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?

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles and is 5% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 18% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

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 $478 return.
  • March ($691) and June ($680) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 44% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

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

Flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles are cheapest 20 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 40% 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

$213
Best time to beat the crowds (9% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (16% more expensive on average)
Flights 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 route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking questions.

  • 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.

  • 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 are available on the route 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

  • 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).

  • 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

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

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

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles:

    • Economy class
    • First Class

  • 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 $233 return via New Orleans Louis Armstrong (MSY), compared with $604 for direct.

  • 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 $48–$138 for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • 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) – 34% of one-stop connections
    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – 15% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) – 13% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) – 10% of one-stop connections

    Denver Intl (DEN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

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

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 20% on the Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $562 return on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $695, a difference of $133. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed on the route 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 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 50 minutes.

  • 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 51% leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 25%, Evening flights for 16%, and Night flights for 8%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Los Angeles?

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

  • 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 06:00 and lands at 11:44
    • Latest: departs at 22:23 and lands at 04:07.

    The flight takes about 5h 44m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within 2 weeks of departure) run 37% above the route average of $586. Book 20 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    A direct flight from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles takes 5h 44m, 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 a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID, or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • 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 $237, which is 38% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does United Airlines's on-time performance compare to other airlines on Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles flights?

    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: 83% on time

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

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles?

    Night flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

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

    Flying via Dallas Love Field (DAL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 7h 28m, compared to 7h 32m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and 7h 48m via Charlotte Douglas (CLT).

  • 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.

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

    Los Angeles Los Angeles Airport (LAX) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates starting from around $5 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Ace
    · Thrifty
    · Dollar
    · Hertz
    · Alamo

  • 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 $435 to $783, with an average of $586 over the past 12 months. Anything below $435 counts as a good deal.

  • 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.

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 instead of Sunday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $562 – about $133 less than Sunday (19% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 20 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 40% 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 $478 return in that month – typically $213 less than the most expensive month, which is March (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, United Airlines is the strongest pick on this route. 90% of United Airlines flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 87%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours50 minutes, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • 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 $233 return on this route – about $371 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 Los Angeles Airport.
    - Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
    - Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
    - Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
  • 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 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