Washington Reagan Airport Set To Get Longer Flights, Now Flying to the West Coast

Updated: October 17, 2024, 1:29pm CDT

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5 Airlines Tentatively Get Longer DCA Flights
Why This Is Good for Washingtonians
Final Thoughts

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Several U.S. airlines cleared a significant hurdle from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which paves the way for longer flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Here’s what you need to know about the new routes.

5 Airlines Tentatively Get Longer DCA Flights

Longer flights may soon arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

The DOT tentatively granted slot exemptions for 5 airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. These are the routes DOT tentatively approved:

DCA to Las Vegas (LAS) on Southwest
DCA to San Antonio (SAT) on American
DCA to San Diego (SAN) on Alaska
DCA to San Francisco (SFO) on United
DCA to Seattle (SEA) on Delta

According to reports, the DOT rejected bids from Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines.

American Airlines and JetBlue aircraft at Washington DCA — Planes at DCA. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

The move gained support from city governments, airports, and even Texas Senator Ted Cruz. But it’s not without controversy. Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine released a statement warning about the “impact of additional flights at DCA,” which is the busiest in the U.S.

Bottom Line:

DCA is the area’s only short-haul airport, holding a 1,250-mile perimeter for destination distances. Beyond domestic locations, including down to San Juan (SJU), the airport also serves some Canadian cities. Despite serving more than 100 destinations in the U.S. and Canada, the airport does not have any customs or immigration facilities.

Why This Is Good for Washingtonians

Despite the backlash, the move will be much-welcomed by D.C.-area travelers flying medium- and long-haul domestic routes.

From the District proper, DCA is the most accessible airport to fly into or out of, thanks to its location 4 miles from downtown and a Metro stop on the Yellow Line.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) are further away, though the latter is now located on the Washington Metro transit system. Those airports serve long-haul and international destinations and have dedicated U.S. Customs facilities.

More emphasis has been placed on the ground experience at DCA in recent years. And with more flights potentially coming to the airport, that experience will be crucial.

American Express recently opened a Centurion Lounge at DCA. And last month, Capital One announced a new airport lounge dining concept, Capital One Landings, coming to the airport. The Big 3 airlines — American, Delta, and United — all have lounges at DCA as well.

Final Thoughts

The DOT has tentatively approved 5 new long-haul routes from DCA, including destinations never before served from the airport. Travelers in and around D.C. will likely rejoice at the news, especially at new destinations such as San Diego.

The matter isn’t settled yet: Comments can be taken until November 8, but we’ll certainly keep an eye on this developing story.