Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

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

Victoria M. Walker's image
Victoria M. Walker
Victoria M. Walker's image

Victoria M. Walker

Senior Content Contributor

700 Published Articles 1 Edited Article

Countries Visited: 26U.S. States Visited: 27

Victoria holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications and is an award-winning journalist, travel reporter, and the founder of the “Carrying On with Victoria...
Edited by: Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith's image

Ryan Smith

News Managing Editor

295 Published Articles 363 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 197U.S. States Visited: 50

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publicat...
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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:

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.

Victoria M. Walker's image

About Victoria M. Walker

Victoria holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications and is an award-winning journalist, travel reporter, and the founder of the “Carrying On with Victoria M. Walker” newsletter.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status