$81 Find Cheap Flights from Illinois to District of Columbia

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Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
High seasonMay
Cheapest flight$81
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 3% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 15% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Reagan Washington National Airport

Flights from Illinois to District of Columbia: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Illinois to District of Columbia 
UzomaFlew with American AirlinesORD-DCAJan 2024
ORD and DCA are nice airports with plenty of space. ORD is always busy so allow ample time to drive there, drop your bag, and go through security if you don't have TSA pre check.
BartoszFlew with Scandinavian AirlinesORD-IADFeb 2024
United or American are the best airlines to fly to DC

FAQs for booking flights from Illinois to District of Columbia

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Illinois to District of Columbia?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Illinois to District of Columbia.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Illinois to District of Columbia?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Illinois to District of Columbia is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Illinois to District of Columbia?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from Illinois to District of Columbia with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Illinois to District of Columbia?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Illinois to District of Columbia up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

  • Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in District of Columbia?

    Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in District of Columbia is Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI), with an average flight price of $158.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to District of Columbia?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to District of Columbia is Thursday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $299. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Monday, where round-trip prices are $433 on average.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to District of Columbia?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to District of Columbia is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $305 on average. Morning departures are around 23% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to District of Columbia is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $595.

  • What is the cheapest flight to District of Columbia?

    The cheapest ticket to District of Columbia from Illinois found in the last 72 hours was to Baltimore, at $150 round-trip. The most popular route is Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Baltimore (BWI) and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $150.

  • What is the cheapest month to fly from Illinois to District of Columbia?

    The cheapest month for flights from Illinois to District of Columbia is January, when tickets cost $328 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are October and June, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $772 and $678 respectively.

  • How far in advance should I book a flight from Illinois to District of Columbia?

    To get a below average price on the flight from Illinois to District of Columbia, you should book around 4 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 4 weeks before departure.

  • How long is the flight to District of Columbia?

    An average nonstop flight from Illinois to District of Columbia takes 4h 09m, covering a distance of 643 miles. The shortest route is Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport (DCA) with an average flight time of 1h 45m.

  • What is the most popular destination in District of Columbia?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Washington, D.C. (100% of total searches to District of Columbia).

Top 5 airlines serving from Illinois to District of Columbia

Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Illinois to District of Columbia? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4294 reviews
7.6Entertainment
8.6Crew
8.2Boarding
7.1Food
8.0Comfort
Airline reviews

It is southwest seat was ok. Not the most comfortable seat

8.0 ExcellentJohn, Apr 2025PVD - FLL
Read more Southwest reviews

It is southwest seat was ok. Not the most comfortable seat

I’ve always loved Southwest. No issues at all. I was flying standby and the gate agent was extremely friendly and helpful. Boarding was smooth and I was able to get a window seat in the emergency exit row. Crew was fantastic! They were very professional and accommodating. We had to divert from our destination due to weather but the flight crew kept everyone at ease and informed us of all pertinent information. Excellent flight

The price of the tickets isn't matching the flight experience. No matter how long the flight is, you're only getting pretzels. The flight attendants looked unkept and over it.

Plz don't take away free bags and free seating

The seats were a bit cramped and worn, but otherwise okay.

I would have liked to arrive on time - not 5 hours late!

After a 3 hour layover in Denver my flight was delayed over 5 hours! No explanation; no assistance; no offer to provide compensation; no one at Southwest was willing to offer any assistance. 8 hours in the Denver airport - ridiculous!

It was a perfect flight in all aspects! Both legs!

Only one drink pass through the cabin for a 4 hour flight. Quite rough and bumpy landing.

Boarding process, crew were good. But the seats were so uncomfortable that was all I could focus on. I literally had to sit forward so that all 3 of us could fit in row. I will try to avoid Southwest in the future for any flights over 60 minutes.

Delta is my preferred airline. I've traveled with them for years. On time in most cases, good communication, easy to use app. Most planes are pretty nice. I was on a CRJ 700/900 however, which was pretty badly aged inside and needed a refresh. No infotainment, unreliable wifi, best to download before boarding or bring a book. Food choices are really just snacks on this flight, nice variety but about what you'd expect. Great staff and prompt in departure and early arrival too. Overall quite satisfied.

Crew was friendly Love the entertainment in the seat head rest.

Delta flight was on time, seats were comfortable, and crew was nice.

This had nothing to do with Delta… The flights were on time and flawless. The service was excellent. We purchased seats in (aisle/middle) comfort plus since this was a cross country flight. Unfortunately, the woman seated at the window was 300+ pounds and, as might be expected, covered up about a third of the middle seat also. there was absolutely nothing that Delta could have done about that… I just don’t know what the answer should be. If you purchase a seat, you should should be able to use the entire seat and not just the portion that someone else is not sitting/oozing in. Disappointing…there should be something that could be done….I'm just not sure what solution could be.

Delayed take-off. Very small plane so very scary with lots of bumps during the flight. Would never fly Delta on short flights in small 80 seaters plane again! Felt relieved when landed.

The worst part was I was NOT allowed in the lounge even though I was holding a first class ticket and have a premium American Express card. I have flown Business or First Class with many airlines. Delta is the ONLY one who does not extend this courtesy to anyone except people who hold the very expensive American Express card. As a result, I won’t fly Delta if I have any other choice.

A little bumpy ride . No food was being provided due the the turbulence. That was ok it was a short flight to my standards.

Simply outstanding. Their new lounge for Delta One customers is a cut above the rest.

The Dekta Rep that checked us in was great. She's very personable, pleasant, and can tell she enjoys her job.

The plane was old with small storage areas that had problems closing/latching and not enough storage for everyone, and worn, damaged seats. Service was great but feel a little unsafe on such well used planes.

A bit rush for transit. Food and entertainment are not available

Smooth boarding process. Early departure, smooth flight, early arrival. The entertainment package has very good recent movie options. The flight crew were friendly and professional.

My flight was scheduled for about 6:05 departure. There were 11 gate changes from 4-7pm and the flight was 3 hours delayed due to operational issues. The plane taxied around the airport for about half an hour before stopping to be de-iced. It would have been nice if we were alerted of the plan to de-ice prior to the 30 minute drive around the airport. The flight attendant was friendly, which was the only redeeming thing about this flight. As a former flight attendant for United, I was extremely disappointed.

Delays took 2hours and thirty minutes making me miss my connecting flight and make me sit in the Chicago airport for 9 hours

Had a short delay once we boarded the aircraft in Chicago, but it was fixed in no time flat then we were on our way. The pilot was able to make up the time lost and we landed 5 minute later then schedualed . Great service

Terrible. First of all we were delayed 4 3/4 hours departing Honolulu. As we had to leave our condo and the rental car had to be returned we had to go to the airport. Even though we had a business class boarding pass to Washington, since we did not have business class to Montreal we could not access the lounge without paying a $59 fee each. This does not make sense to us. Since we could not meet our original connection United booked us to Montreal via New York LaGuardia on Air Canada. In Washington a further delay got us into LaGuardia too late to make our connection to Montreal so we were booked on another Air Canada flight 3 hours later. We were originally scheduled to arrive in Montreal at 10:40 and arrived at 19:55. A totally exhausting day, United did not offer a meal voucher or any type of compensation. Air Canada did give us a digital meal voucher. The food in United business class is poor among all meals offered. The pods look nice but are not that confortable. Overall would not fly on United again.

Our seats were all the way in back of the plane,

The seats on this flight were almost roomy enough to be the basic amount needed for human existence. I think my favorite part of this flight was it landed at an A gate, which was the most palatial part of Sea-Tac I've ever seen - a massive improvement from the S gates.

The seats on this flight were almost roomy enough to be the basic amount needed for human existence.

The flight attendants in First Class were mediocre at best. They did not take our tray away until we were about to land and only did so when I press the call button. The United person at the United Club was asked to get us our boarding pass since we missed the flight due in Chicago. She argued that we did not have seats on the flight given to us in Moline. Furthermore, she was adamant that we did not have a First Class ticket. After I spent much time with her trying to show we were correct, she reluctantly agreed. She was probably the most incompetent ticketing person I have ever met and I have traveled 3 million miles on United plus many additional miles with other carriers. United has definitely deteriorated in more than on way.

I have long legs, my foot was out in the aisle and when a flight attendant came walking by and I didn't notice, instead of saying "excuse me" or anything like that, she kicked my foot. Extremely rude

Excellent! The gate agents were kind enough to rebook me on an earlier flight saving me from a 6 hour layover. Even my luggage made it despite the fact that the connection was technically too narrow. The flight itself was very comfortable, roomy, and clean. Plenty of space for my carryon items with plugs to charge my phone. After a long international flight of 14 hours, this was an excellent way to end my travels!

The boarding crew was incredibly helpful getting me on an earlier flight

Great experience. Flight boarded easily. Departed early. Smooth flight. Great arrival in DC--almost no taxing! Almost direct to gate from runway. Crew was terrific. Same cookies and beverages in main cabin. I did not use the entertainment system on this flight.

Flight delayed on both ends - have a gate ready at DCA, don't make us sit for 30min after being late to take off as well.

AA can't control the weather. But the airplane was hot and stuffy while stuck on the runway with a broken entertainment system.

very bare bones flight no entertainment screen, download shows prior to boarding to watch on phone or tablet.

It was good. It’s been a long time since my wife and I fly any where and things have changed. Our trip was to see our new grandson. We fly economy and that was not good for my bad back. It was a quick flight but uncomfortable.

Service in first class no longer exists on American Airlines .

Most of the delay was due to weather which is not what was at issue here. One delay was due to a missing flashlight and in the end the flashlight was actually found on the plane. The entertainment system is very limited. Live TV options offer only a few channels that are not very appealing. Boarding and deplaning are always difficult. It just takes too much time to get on and off the plane. On the plus side, I missed my connecting flight, but was easily able to book a later flight from the app while enroute.

The reps working at the airport counter were dumber than a second coat of paint.

My costume jewelry was stolen out of my bag. Got to airport and my bag weighed 45 pounds- 5 pounds over cost me $100 Long lines in tier one. No entertainment No WiFi no free drinks or snacks

Not very good. Paid in excess of $400 for assigned seating for my family and that was not provided. I want that money back.

The seats were hard molded plastic covered in plastic vinyl. And the scam to charge people extra to sit together. Don’t they know we can just ask someone to trade seats. And watching the staff separate young children from parents… super classy. We had to guilt them into offering up our seats. This companies policies suck. Don’t give them your money.

The seats were awful, hard plastic covered in sheet vinyl. The airline tries to scam you into paying extra to get seat together when the flight wasn’t full. They were going to separate a family with young children but my wife who had a row to herself gave up her seat so the young mom could be with her young boys. I’m never giving this airline my money again.

It was a short flight so no food or entertainment….

Seats are uncomfortable but price is good. Guess I can put up with misery for four hours.

I’ve never traveled on Frontier before. If you want basic, no frills, friendly service at great prices then give them a fly!

Cancelled and declined to find alternatives Earlier flight is 2 days later Sent the cancellation notification very late, wish I knew earlier would have stayed to watch the Miami open final game Very disappointing service

The worst flight of my life. Never will I fly frontier again

Book cheap flights from Illinois to District of Columbia

Recent round-trip flight deals

7/1Tue
nonstopUnited Airlines
1h 58mORD-DCA
7/2Wed
nonstopUnited Airlines
2h 16mDCA-ORD
$161
5/24Sat
nonstopSouthwest
1h 55mMDW-DCA
5/25Sun
nonstopSouthwest
2h 00mDCA-MDW
$161
7/1Tue
nonstopUnited Airlines
1h 59mORD-IAD
7/2Wed
nonstopUnited Airlines
2h 13mIAD-ORD
$161
6/3Tue
1 stopAmerican Airlines
3h 58mORD-DCA
6/3Tue
nonstopAmerican Airlines
2h 12mDCA-ORD
$167
6/21Sat
nonstopAmerican Airlines
1h 50mORD-DCA
6/21Sat
1 stopAmerican Airlines
4h 40mDCA-ORD
$168
5/17Sat
1 stopFrontier
4h 46mMDW-IAD
5/19Mon
1 stopFrontier
9h 15mIAD-MDW
$170
5/15Thu
1 stopFrontier
7h 23mORD-IAD
5/21Wed
1 stopFrontier
12h 05mIAD-ORD
$170
5/24Sat
nonstopSouthwest
1h 55mMDW-DCA
5/25Sun
1 stopSouthwest
4h 15mDCA-MDW
$171
5/24Sat
1 stopDelta
6h 43mORD-DCA
5/24Sat
1 stopDelta
4h 44mDCA-ORD
$197
5/24Sat
1 stopDelta
3h 15mMDW-DCA
5/25Sun
1 stopDelta
3h 40mDCA-MDW
$197

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Recent one-way flight deals

5/25Sun
nonstopUnited Airlines
1h 58mORD-DCA
$81
5/25Sun
nonstopSouthwest
1h 50mMDW-DCA
$81
5/25Sun
nonstopUnited Airlines
2h 03mORD-IAD
$81
5/30Fri
nonstopAmerican Airlines
1h 59mSTL-DCA
$90
5/17Sat
1 stopFrontier
4h 46mMDW-IAD
$90
5/30Fri
nonstopSouthwest
1h 55mMDW-DCA
$90
6/11Wed
1 stopFrontier
8h 44mMDW-IAD
$91
7/5Sat
nonstopAmerican Airlines
2h 11mSTL-DCA
$99
5/24Sat
1 stopDelta
5h 56mORD-DCA
$99
7/3Thu
1 stopDelta
4h 50mMDW-DCA
$99

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Last minute flights from Illinois to District of Columbia

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

5/2Fri
multi-stopFrontier
16h 14mSTL-DCA
5/6Tue
multi-stopFrontier
21h 59mDCA-STL
$189
5/3Sat
multi-stopFrontier
14h 52mSTL-DCA
5/6Tue
multi-stopFrontier
21h 59mDCA-STL
$198
5/2Fri
multi-stopUnited Airlines
16h 37mORD-IAD
5/3Sat
nonstopUnited Airlines
2h 14mIAD-ORD
$358
5/3Sat
nonstopUnited Airlines
1h 56mORD-IAD
5/3Sat
multi-stopUnited Airlines
19h 40mIAD-ORD
$422
5/4Sun
nonstopAmerican Airlines
2h 01mSTL-DCA
5/19Mon
nonstopAmerican Airlines
2h 17mDCA-STL
$474
5/5Mon
nonstopAmerican Airlines
2h 01mORD-DCA
5/7Wed
nonstopAmerican Airlines
2h 27mDCA-ORD
$479
5/4Sun
multi-stopDelta
6h 23mSTL-DCA
5/19Mon
multi-stopDelta
6h 04mDCA-STL
$494
5/4Sun
multi-stopDelta
4h 27mSTL-IAD
5/19Mon
multi-stopDelta
5h 59mIAD-STL
$494
5/5Mon
multi-stopSouthwest
9h 50mORD-DCA
5/7Wed
multi-stopSouthwest
8h 35mDCA-ORD
$504
5/5Mon
multi-stopSouthwest
9h 50mORD-DCA
5/7Wed
multi-stopSouthwest
7h 45mDCA-ORD
$509

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Everything you need to know for your flight to District of Columbia

Cabin class types available on flights to Illinois

Cabin classes available on flights to Illinois. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.

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