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Washington DC has three main airports: Reagan National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI).
Each airport serves a mix of airlines and routes, so picking the right one depends on what you need. If you’re flying out of DC, United Airlines and American Airlines are usually the top bets—tons of destinations, frequent flights, and just generally reliable.
Reagan National is perfect for quick trips to a bunch of U.S. cities, especially with American and United offering plenty of nonstop flights.
If you’re after more international or longer domestic options, Dulles International has a bigger selection of airlines and routes.
BWI is a solid pick too, especially if you’re on a budget—lots of low-cost carriers like Southwest.
Your best airline really depends on where you’re headed, your budget, and which airport works for you.
Knowing which airlines fly from each airport will help you score the best deals and most convenient flights out of DC.
Key Takeways
- Washington DC has three main airports.
- United and American Airlines have the most flights from these airports.
- Your travel needs and airport preference will steer your choice.
Major Airports in Washington DC
DC’s three airports each have their own perks.
Which one you pick might depend on your destination, how far you want to travel to the airport, and what flights are available.
Traffic and convenience can really vary, and it’s worth thinking about before you book.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
DCA is just about 4 miles from downtown DC, so it’s super close.
If you want to get into the city fast, this is your best bet.
Most flights are domestic, and there are strict distance limits on where planes can go.
American Airlines has a big presence here.
The airport is on the smaller side but feels modern and is easy to get around.
Parking and drop-off can get a little wild during rush hour, though.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Dulles is about 26 miles from downtown.
It handles both domestic and a ton of international flights.
United Airlines uses IAD as a hub, so you get more options, especially for long-haul trips.
The airport is bigger and busier than DCA.
Expect to spend a bit more time getting through security and to your gate.
Traffic can be heavy, so give yourself extra time.
There’s a Silver Line Metro extension, but it still takes about an hour to reach the city.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
BWI is 32 miles northeast of downtown DC.
It’s mostly served by low-cost airlines like Southwest.
If you’re after cheaper flights and don’t mind the longer drive, it’s a good pick.
You can hop on the MARC train from BWI to the city—usually takes 30-40 minutes.
Traffic varies, but the drive is often less stressful than IAD during peak times.
Parking is pretty convenient, and the airport feels less crowded than the others.
Top Airlines Flying from Washington DC
DC is well covered by major airlines, so you’re not short on options.
Some focus on domestic flights, others do more international, and a few offer both.
Here’s a quick look at the main players.
United Airlines
United mainly operates out of Dulles (IAD).
They’ve got a huge range of domestic and international routes.
If you travel a lot, you’ll probably appreciate United’s coverage—including nonstop flights to cities like San Francisco, LA, and Denver.
There’s a mix of economy and premium cabins, plus a loyalty program that’s actually useful if you’re a frequent flyer.
United also offers nonstop flights beyond the usual perimeter rules at Dulles, which is handy.
Service and punctuality can be hit or miss, but the route network is tough to beat.
American Airlines
American is the big name at Reagan National (DCA).
They offer loads of domestic flights and plenty of connections.
If you’d rather fly from close to downtown, American is probably your best shot.
Expect lots of nonstop flights to business hubs and other major airports.
They’ve got partnerships with US Airways and a few others, so the network is pretty extensive.
The loyalty program is solid, and American’s schedules from DCA are hard to ignore if you want convenience.
Delta Air Lines
Delta flies from both Dulles and Reagan National.
They’ve got a good number of domestic flights and some international routes too.
Delta’s known for pretty consistent service and a decent frequent flyer program.
They partner with Air China and a few others, so your international choices widen a bit.
If you’re heading to cities like Atlanta or New York, or need a connection, Delta’s schedules are flexible and reliable.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest operates out of Reagan National (DCA).
It’s popular for domestic trips, especially if you’re watching your wallet.
Southwest keeps things simple—low fares, no frills.
You get free checked bags and no change fees, which is a nice bonus.
They cover a lot of popular U.S. cities and often have several flights a day.
If price and hassle-free booking are your priorities, Southwest is a smart pick.
Just keep in mind, they mostly stick to domestic routes from DC.
Popular Routes and Flight Options
DC airports offer a ton of choices.
Direct and nonstop flights, international options, and strong domestic connections are all on the table.
Direct and Non-Stop Flights
If you hate layovers, you’re in luck.
Dulles (IAD) has nonstop flights to places like Savannah, Macon, Chicago, Honolulu, and New Orleans.
Reagan National (DCA) mostly covers shorter nonstop routes to nearby cities.
Southwest and Spirit also have nonstop flights from DC to spots like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
Nonstop flights save time and stress—definitely worth checking each airport for what’s available, since routes can change by season or airline.
International Destinations
Dulles (IAD) is your go-to for international flights.
You can get nonstop service to major hubs across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Reagan and BWI focus more on domestic, but BWI does have a few international flights.
United at IAD offers a wide range of choices for getting out of the country.
For most trips abroad, IAD is the best bet for direct flights and fewer layovers.
Domestic Connections
For U.S. travel, all three DC airports have you covered.
United at IAD offers tons of domestic flights, including cities outside DCA’s usual perimeter.
You can get nonstop flights to places like Indianapolis, Louisville, and South Bend.
Southwest and Spirit are great for affordable domestic routes, especially from BWI and DCA.
Whether you want fast, nonstop trips or lots of connection options, DC’s airports are a major hub for almost every state.
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights from Washington DC
Scoring a cheap flight takes a bit of effort.
Pay attention to price trends, ticket types, and timing if you want the best deals.
Comparing Airfare and Flight Deals
Start by checking multiple websites and apps.
Google Flights and KAYAK are great for seeing prices from DCA, IAD, and BWI.
Look at different days—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are usually cheaper.
If you’re flexible, check all three airports to find the lowest fare.
Don’t forget to factor in all the fees.
Some airlines tack on charges for bags or picking a seat, which can turn a “deal” into a dud fast.
Finding One-Way Ticket Savings
Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets is cheaper than a round trip.
You don’t have to stick with the same airline for both legs.
Check if buying separate one-ways saves money, especially with airlines like Spirit and Frontier.
Just be careful—if one flight gets delayed or canceled, you’re on your own for the other ticket.
But for the budget-conscious, mixing and matching can really cut costs.
Using Price Alerts
Set up price alerts for your route.
Sites like Google Flights and Kayak let you track fares and ping you when prices drop.
This way, you can jump on deals before they disappear.
Flights often get cheaper a few weeks before departure or during sales, but alerts help you catch surprises.
Keep an eye on your inbox and be ready to book—cheap tickets don’t last long.
First Class and Upgrade Options
Thinking about first class or maybe an upgrade? Keep an eye out for special offers on major airlines flying out of DC airports.
Sometimes airlines toss out last-minute upgrade deals for less than you’d expect. Not always, but worth a look.
It’s smart to sign up for airline loyalty programs. Those points can come in handy for upgrades or even cheaper first-class fares.
Pay attention to the price gap. Upgrading early can be pricey, but snagging a last-minute deal or bidding for an upgrade might land you a better seat without a huge jump in cost.
Try checking airline websites or apps for upgrade offers. You can usually spot these when you book or even at check-in.