Beginning in 2025, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) will improve its connectivity by introducing five new long-haul routes operated by a significant U.S. airline. This expansion comes after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) authorized increased flight options from DCA to locations beyond the conventional 1,250-mile perimeter, as stipulated in the FAA Reauthorization Act.
Alaska Airlines
San Diego (SAN) – Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Alaska Airlines will introduce nonstop service between Washington National (DCA) and San Diego International Airport (SAN). This route will directly link the nation’s capital and Southern California, catering to business and leisure travelers. The new flights will take off in March 2025. San Diego was the largest travel market without direct flights to Washington National.
Flight 14: Departs SAN at 2:10 p.m. and arrives at DCA at 9:55 p.m. (Starts 3/17)
Flight 15: Departs DCA at 8:00 a.m. and arrives in SAN at 10:35 a.m. (Starts 3/18)
“This flight will further connect our growing defense, research, and innovation economies to our leaders in the Capitol. Securing this flight was a team effort by our partners from Alaska Airlines, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, and our congressional delegation. I especially want to thank U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker for selecting San Diego as one of the five new DCA flight slot recipients,” said Todd Gloria, San Diego Mayor.
American Airlines
San Antonio (SAT) – Washington, D.C. (DCA)
American Airlines is set to become the sole carrier offering nonstop flights between DCA and San Antonio International Airport. Service is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2025, with the following daily schedule:
Flight 1718: Departs SAT at 6:35 a.m., arriving at DCA at 10:41 a.m.
Flight 1947: Departs DCA at 7:45 p.m., arriving at SAT at 10:43 p.m.
Commemorating the city’s rich history and significant military contributions, American Flight 1718 recognizes the year San Antonio was founded, while Flight 1947 celebrates the year the U.S. Air Force was established.
“We are proud to have finally secured a nonstop flight between SAT and DCA with American Airlines as our partner. This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
Delta Air Lines
Seattle (SEA) – Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Delta Air Lines is set to introduce nonstop flights between DCA and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This new route enhances connections between the East Coast and the Pacific Northwest. Scheduled to launch on Sunday, March 9, 2025, the service provides more choices for transcontinental travelers. With this eagerly awaited addition, Delta will operate nonstop flights from the nation’s capital to all three of its western hubs.
Flight 786: Departs SEA at 7:23 a.m., arriving at DCA at 3:29 p.m.
Flight 786: Departs DCA at 4:40 p.m., arriving at SEA at 7:41 p.m.
“Seattle is a key market for our customers, a crucial hub for Delta, and a premier West Coast gateway,” said Glen Hauenstein, president of Delta Air Lines.
Southwest Airlines
Las Vegas (LAS) – Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Southwest Airlines plans to offer nonstop flights between DCA and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. This addition will provide a direct route for travelers between these two vibrant cities.
Starting February 13 through March 5, Southwest flights will operate four days a week on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
Flight 2047: Departs LAS at 8:30 a.m., arriving DCA at 3:55 p.m.
Flight 2055: Departs DCA at 4:35 p.m., arriving LAS at 7:05 p.m.
Starting March 6, Southwest flights will operate daily. The schedule listed is Monday through Friday, with slight variations on weekends.
Daily service begins on Thursday, March 6:
Flight 4993: Departs LAS at 8:30 a.m., arriving DCA at 3:50 p.m.
Flight 5012: Departs DCA at 4:30 p.m., arriving LAS at 6:55 p.m.
Note: Southwest flight numbers vary.
“Southwest is grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for its approval of our application to provide nonstop service from Washington to Las Vegas,” said Brook Sorem, Vice President of Network Planning at Southwest Airlines. “We believe more Customers will benefit from lower fares while enjoying the airline that offers legendary Hospitality and unrivaled flexibility.”
United Airlines
San Francisco (SFO) – Washington, D.C. (DCA)
United Airlines will introduce nonstop service between DCA and San Francisco International Airport. This route will facilitate travel between the capital and the Bay Area, serving business and technology sectors. The new flights will take off on Thursday, February 13, 2025. These additional flight options will complement United’s other routes between SFO and Washington, DC, as the carrier offers nonstop flights to Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Washington-Dulles (IAD).
Flight 1678: Departs SFO at 8:40 a.m., arriving at DCA at 4:53 p.m.
Flight 698: Departs DCA at 5:59 p.m., arriving at SFO at 9:23 p.m.
“With our hub in San Francisco, United is well positioned to serve the strong customer demand for air travel between Washington National and the Bay Area,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines.
These new routes are part of a broader initiative to enhance connectivity and provide more direct flight options from Washington, D.C. The DOT’s decision reflects a commitment to meeting the growing demand for long-haul flights from DCA, offering passengers increased convenience and reducing the need for connecting flights through other hubs.
Apart from these five awarded routes, JetBlue and Spirit also applied for inclusion but were denied by the DOT. JetBlue proposed a second daily flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, while Spirit had proposed a daily flight to San Jose, CA.
For more information on these new routes, including fares and services, visit the respective carriers websites. As with any travel information, all information herein is subject to change.
