WAS - LAX

$128 Find Cheap Flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$259
Typical prices: $314-$566
Frontier
Wed 10/31Tue 11/6
IAD - LAX • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$268
Typical prices: $326-$582
Alaska Airlines
Wed 10/24Wed 10/31
DCA - LAX • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
Air China adds a free checked bag; United Economy Plus gives up to 6 extra inches.
American Main Cabin Extra adds perks, while Delta Comfort Plus offers less legroom.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines and others. Average duration is 5h 45m.
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 travelers 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 layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $168 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 7h 28m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Los Angeles!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
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 round-trip flight deals from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles

Sun, Nov 1 - Sun, Nov 8
Frontier Logo
1:00 pm - 12:23 amDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
14h 23m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
6:15 am - 9:50 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
12h 35m1 stop Denver Intl
$259Frontier
Sat, Oct 31 - Fri, Nov 6
Frontier Logo
12:31 pm - 11:16 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
13h 45m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
Frontier Logo
12:14 am - 5:12 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
13h 58m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$259Frontier
Thu, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 9
JetBlue Logo
6:15 am - 12:36 pmDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 21m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
JetBlue Logo
9:35 pm - 11:10 amLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
10h 35m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
$260JetBlue
Fri, Dec 11 - Mon, Dec 14
Southwest Logo
4:25 pm - 10:40 pmDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 15m2 stops Oklahoma City Will Rogers World Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
11:55 am - 11:50 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
8h 55m2 stops Austin Bergstrom Dallas Love Field
$261Southwest
Fri, Dec 4 - Thu, Dec 10
Southwest Logo
4:00 pm - 10:00 pmDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 00m2 stops Omaha Eppley Airfield Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
11:55 am - 11:50 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
8h 55m2 stops Austin Bergstrom Dallas Love Field
$261Southwest
Sat, Oct 3 - Thu, Oct 8
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:30 am - 12:09 pmDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
5h 39mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:35 am - 5:57 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
8h 22m1 stop San Francisco
$264Alaska Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Tue, Nov 10
JetBlue Logo
6:15 am - 12:36 pmDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
9h 21m1 stop New York John F Kennedy Intl
JetBlue Logo
9:35 pm - 11:10 amLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
10h 35m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
$267JetBlue
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 4:20 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
13h 20m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:34 am - 11:59 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
9h 25m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$267Multiple Airlines
Sat, Oct 24 - Sat, Oct 31
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:30 am - 12:09 pmDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
5h 39mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
11:51 am - 8:00 pmLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
5h 09mnonstop
$268Alaska Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 21
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:02 am - 2:34 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles
10h 32m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:15 pm - 6:20 amLAX  Los Angeles Los Angeles-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
10h 05m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$272Multiple Airlines
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 round-trip flight from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles?

Round-trip flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles start at $259. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $314 to $566. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $259 on Frontier.

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 $429 round-trip, 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, it 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 $345 round-trip.
•March ($499) and June ($491) 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.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Robert Schrader

Robert Schrader

Expert on Air China

One of the web's original travel bloggers, Robert launched his first site Leave Your Daily Hell in 2009. Since then, he's expanded into destination niche sites (one each for Japan, Thailand and Taiwan), in addition to having written for the inflight magazines of Singapore Airlines and Korean Air. Overall, he's visited nearly 100 countries, and flies business as often as possible.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, Delta, LAX and IAD

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on DCA

An avid traveler and aviation expert who has visited 173 countries, all 50 states and seven continents, Ramsey Qubein flies nearly 400,000 miles a year. As a North Carolina-based freelance journalist for publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA Today and Bloomberg among others, he explores the latest trends in aviation, hospitality, cruises and business.

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

Low season

October

Cheapest flight

$128
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 9% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 16% increase in price.
Flight from Baltimore 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 round-trip price

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

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles 
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jul 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-Jun 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.

  • Can I rent a car at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)?

    Yes, there are no on-site car rental agencies at LAX, but several companies run shuttles to locations near the airport. The shuttles pick up at the designated area on the lower arrivals level outside baggage claim.

  • Does Dulles International Airport have a prayer room?

    Yes, IAD has one Interfaith Chapel in Concourse A near Gate A32. It is free for all travelers, open 24 hours a day and contains sacred texts in a variety of languages.

  • Can I breastfeed my baby at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)?

    Yes, BWI has private nursing rooms near Gates A1, A4, A12, B3 and B8. Additional rooms are near Gates C2, C9, D11, D23 and E6. Mamava lactation stations are also located near Gate D4 and in the Children’s Play Area within the D/E Connector.

  • Does Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport have any pet relief areas?

    Yes, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has eight designated pet relief areas. They include pre-security and post-security locations in Terminals 1 and 2, as well as areas near Metrorail entrances and terminal roadways. Each area is clearly marked and includes waste bags and receptacles.

  • Does BUR have a pet relief area?

    Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) does have two pet-relief areas. The pre-security area is outdoors on the patio between Terminals A and B and the post-security area is in Terminal A, across from Gate A4 and adjacent to the men’s restroom.

  • 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.

  • What airlines are available from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles?

    4 airlines operate flights between Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. The airlines offering nonstop 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 travelers should check the fare details before booking.

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

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

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $168 round-trip via New Orleans Louis Armstrong (MSY), compared to $436 for nonstop.

  • 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 $35–$100 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 $406 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $502, a difference of $96. 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 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 47% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 23%, evening flights for 23%, and night flights for 7%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Los Angeles?

    Some of the most popular sights in Los Angeles are Venice Beach, Los Angeles Convention Center 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 6:00 am and lands at 11:45 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:24 pm and lands at 4:09 am.

    The flight takes about 5h 45m.

  • 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 $423. Book 20 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    A nonstop flight from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles takes 5h 45m, covering 2,304 miles.

  • 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.

  • Have flight prices from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $259 to $2,471. That means the highest observed fare was about 10x higher than the lowest one.

  • 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 $146, which is 47% 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

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

  • 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 layover airport from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles?

    Flying via Dallas Love Field (DAL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 7h 28m, compared with 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.

  • What car rental options are available at Los Angeles Los Angeles Airport (LAX)?

    Los Angeles Los Angeles Airport (LAX) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $4 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?

    Round-trip flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles range from $314 to $566, with an average of $423 over the past 12 months. Anything below $314 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 program; 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 can be flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $406 - about $96 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 $345 round-trip in that month - typically $154 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 hours 50 minutes, so choosing a carrier 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 layover option averages $168 round-trip on this route - about $268 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
  • When booking a flight from Washington to Los Angeles, choose Los Angeles International Airport if you'll be staying in the city center. If you're headed to Northern Los Angeles, Hollywood Burbank Airport is a smaller, more convenient option.
  • If you’re heading to central Los Angeles, take a free airport shuttle to the LAX/Metro Transit Center. From there, hop on a bus or Metro line to your destination.
  • If you're heading to Dulles International Airport (IAD) from Washington, D.C., a shared shuttle is a good option when you're not in a rush and want an inexpensive ride. The DC Metro Bus 5A also works well if you're traveling light and have some extra time. You can also take the Silver Line Metro directly to Dulles 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.
  • Before heading to a lounge at Reagan National, check each operator's website for access rules. Lounge entrances, including American Airlines' Admirals Club lounge, are in National Hall. For complimentary high-speed WiFi, head to The Centurion Lounge in Terminal 2 past the South Security Checkpoint.
  • If you're driving to IAD and leaving your car at the airport, IAD has multiple parking garages. For long-term parking, the Economy Lot is the most economical option because it offers shuttle service to the terminals. Demand is usually high, so book in advance.

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 rental