I can tell you — finding the right flight isn’t just about clicking “Book” and hoping for the best. It’s a process: timing, airport choice, loyalty programs, and even seat selection can make the difference between a great trip and a frustrating one.
Recently, I booked a flight from Washington, D.C. to New York City — a route I’ve flown countless times — and I want to break down exactly how I did it, what I paid, and the little tricks I use to get the best deal possible.
My Personal Flight: DCA → LGA on American Airlines Flight AA1452
Booking Process
- Platform: Directly on the American Airlines website (I compared Expedia, Kayak, and Google Flights first, but AA had a loyalty miles promo that sealed the deal).
- Timing: Booked 6 weeks in advance — I find this is the sweet spot for East Coast domestic flights.
- Fare: $260 round-trip ($130 each way). I also saw one-way tickets hovering at $145–$155, so the round-trip saved me about $30–$40.
- Fare Type: Main Cabin Economy — included a carry-on and personal item, but checked baggage would have cost $35 each way.
Pre-Flight Experience at DCA
- Check-In: Used mobile boarding pass via the AA app — took less than 1 minute.
- Security: Reagan National is a dream compared to Dulles — TSA took about 12 minutes without PreCheck.
- Lounge: Didn’t use the Admirals Club this time, but I walked past it near Gate 23; day passes are $79 if you want a quieter space.
In-Flight Experience
- Seat: 14A, window seat on the left side. Great views of the Potomac during takeoff.
- Legroom: Average (31 inches), but comfortable enough for the short flight.
- Service: Single drink service — I had a ginger ale and a small Biscoff cookie pack. Crew was polite but efficient, which is ideal for a 1 hr 15 min hop.
- Entertainment: No screens; I used the in-flight Wi-Fi ($8 for 1 hour) to check emails.
Arrival at LaGuardia (LGA)
- Taxi Time: Just 8 minutes after landing, which is rare for LGA.
- Baggage Claim: Skipped since I only had carry-on.
- Transfer to Manhattan: Took a yellow cab — $41 flat fare to Midtown, 25 minutes without traffic.
Personal Verdict:
For short-haul trips, this was near-perfect: quick airport transit in D.C., punctual departure, smooth landing, and minimal fuss. I didn’t miss the business class perks for such a short ride.
Four Other Flight Options Worth Considering
I haven’t flown all of these exact flights in the past few months, but between my own trips over the years and feedback from fellow travelers, these are solid options for the Washington → New York route. Each has its own flavor — some prioritize speed, others comfort or flexibility.
1. United Airlines Flight UA567 – Dulles (IAD) → Newark (EWR)
Why it’s on my radar: United has treated this route almost like a commuter shuttle for years. You’ll often see multiple departures in the morning and late afternoon to cater to business travelers.
- Pros:
- Excellent rail link to Manhattan: Once you land at EWR, you can hop on the AirTrain to Newark Liberty Station, then NJ Transit directly into Penn Station. Total trip time: 30–35 minutes, costing about $15.50. It’s much faster than JFK public transit for midtown-bound travelers.
- High frequency: United typically runs 6–8 flights daily, so if one gets canceled or delayed, you have backup options.
- International connection hub: EWR is perfect if you’re catching a same-day long-haul flight to Europe or Asia without changing airports.
- Cons:
- The IAD factor: Dulles is 26 miles from downtown D.C., and if you’re traveling during rush hour, the drive can balloon from 40 minutes to 90. Metro’s Silver Line helps, but it still takes time.
- Crowded Newark Terminal C: It’s United’s main terminal, and during peak hours it can feel like everyone in New Jersey is flying that day.
- Insider Tip: Book the Economy Plus upgrade if it’s under $25 — the extra legroom makes a difference on busy flights.
- Typical Price: $120–$200 round-trip if booked 1–2 months ahead; closer to $250 if buying last-minute.
2. Delta Flight DL3241 – Reagan National (DCA) → JFK
Why it’s on my radar: This is one of the smoothest DC-to-NYC hops if you value airport convenience on both ends.
- Pros:
- Prime departure point: DCA is practically in the city. You can be through security 20 minutes after leaving your hotel in downtown D.C. if you time it right.
- Easy JFK transfers: AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then either LIRR (20 min to Penn Station) or the E subway (45–50 min to midtown) for $2.90.
- Consistent Delta service: Even on short routes, Delta crews tend to keep things polished. You’ll usually get complimentary drinks and a choice of snacks, even in basic economy.
- Cons:
- Longer transit from JFK to some parts of NYC: If you’re staying in lower Manhattan or Brooklyn, it can be more time-consuming compared to LGA arrivals.
- Insider Tip: Book flights before 9 a.m. if you can — JFK arrivals later in the day often get hit by Northeast corridor air traffic delays.
- Typical Price: $150–$210 round-trip when booked 4–6 weeks out.
3. JetBlue Flight B6742 – Reagan National (DCA) → JFK
Why it’s on my radar: JetBlue makes economy feel a little more premium without charging a fortune.
- Pros:
- Generous seat pitch: 32–33 inches means you can cross your legs without feeling cramped — a rare treat in economy.
- Free Wi-Fi and snacks: You can stream, work, or scroll without paying extra, and the snack basket is bottomless (those Terra blue chips really are addictive).
- Pleasant arrival experience: Terminal 5 at JFK has Shake Shack, Blue Smoke BBQ, and even rooftop space for plane spotting.
- Cons:
- Limited daily flights: This specific route has fewer departures compared to Delta or American, so you have less flexibility if your plans change.
- Midday flights sell out fast: Business travelers tend to snap these up early.
- Insider Tip: Use JetBlue’s “Even More Space” seats for under $40 if you can — they give both extra legroom and early boarding.
- Typical Price: $140–$200 round-trip when booked 5–8 weeks in advance.
4. Southwest Airlines – Baltimore/Washington (BWI) → LaGuardia (LGA)
Why it’s on my radar: This is a hidden gem for budget-conscious travelers who can get to BWI easily.
- Pros:
- Two free checked bags: Ideal for families, photographers, or anyone hauling extra gear.
- Flexible change policy: No fees to switch flights, and if your new fare is cheaper, you get the difference as a credit.
- Budget-friendly for last-minute: Southwest often has sub-$150 fares even within a week of departure.
- Cons:
- BWI commute from D.C.: It’s about 45 minutes on the MARC or Amtrak from Union Station, plus a short shuttle to the terminal.
- Open seating: If you board late, you might end up in a middle seat at the back. EarlyBird Check-In ($15) is worth it.
- Insider Tip: Pair this with an afternoon return from LGA to avoid early-morning BWI travel and to enjoy a slower NYC morning before heading back.
- Typical Price: $100–$180 round-trip if booked a month ahead; $90–$120 during Southwest sales.
Insider Hacks for Booking NYC Flights
Booking Platforms
- Google Flights: Best for quick comparisons and price tracking alerts.
- Skyscanner: Useful for checking budget carriers and mixed airline tickets.
- Airline Direct Sites: Sometimes cheaper if a promotion is running (as with my AA flight).
- Southwest.com: Must check separately, as Southwest doesn’t appear on most search engines.
When to Book
- Domestic sweet spot: 4–8 weeks before departure.
- Avoid: Booking more than 3 months out unless traveling on peak holidays.
- Cheapest days to fly: Tuesday–Thursday.
Fare Strategies
- Check one-way vs. round-trip — sometimes two one-ways on different airlines are cheaper.
- Use incognito mode to avoid possible fare tracking and price jumps.
- Sign up for airline newsletters for flash sales.
Washington & New York Airport Cheat Sheet
Washington
- DCA: Closest to downtown; reachable by Metro Yellow/Blue Lines.
- IAD: International hub; 45–60 min from D.C. by Silver Line Express Bus or Metro + bus combo.
- BWI: Budget-friendly; accessible via MARC/Amtrak trains.
New York
- LGA: Closest to Manhattan (~25 min by taxi); great for domestic flights.
- JFK: AirTrain + subway or LIRR to city center.
- EWR: NJ Transit direct to Penn Station.
Extra Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Book morning flights whenever possible
Early departures (before 10 a.m.) tend to have the lowest delay rates on the Washington–New York corridor. Air traffic across the Northeast builds up as the day goes on, so a 7:30 a.m. flight out of DCA or IAD can arrive in New York almost before your hotel’s check-out guests have even left. On my last 6:50 a.m. JetBlue hop from DCA to JFK, I was sipping coffee in midtown Manhattan by 9:15 a.m. — and that included a quick AirTrain + subway transfer. - Build buffer time for connections
If you’re connecting to an international flight in New York, give yourself at least 3–4 hours between your DC arrival and your onward departure. Northeast Corridor weather can be unpredictable — low clouds in NYC, summer thunderstorms, or even winter snow can push flights back by 30–90 minutes. I once had a 90-minute JFK connection to a transatlantic flight and nearly missed boarding because of a ground hold in D.C. - Travel light for urban convenience
While you can check bags, NYC is infinitely easier with just a carry-on and personal item. Subway stairs, narrow hotel elevators, and busy sidewalks all become simpler. Plus, if you’re using public transit from JFK, EWR, or LGA, you’ll move faster without dragging a giant suitcase. My favorite setup: a 22-inch spinner suitcase and a small backpack — enough for 4–5 days without laundry. - Use loyalty programs strategically
Even if you fly DC–NYC only a few times a year, programs like Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, JetBlue TrueBlue, or Southwest Rapid Rewards can give you free flights after as few as 5–6 round trips. Some also offer perks like free seat selection or priority boarding after you hit basic tiers. I’ve gotten two free weekend trips to NYC just from points earned on short hops. - Check both one-way and round-trip fares
While round-trips are often cheaper, there are times when mixing airlines one-way each direction saves $20–$40. For example, you might fly United to EWR on Friday morning and return Sunday evening on Southwest to BWI. This also lets you pick the most convenient NYC airport for each leg. - Keep multiple booking tools handy
Use Google Flights or Kayak to scan the whole market, but check airline websites before booking — they sometimes have web-only sales or allow free 24-hour cancellations that third-party sites don’t. I’ve scored $110 round-trips to LGA by booking directly on Southwest after spotting the deal elsewhere. - Mind the airport transfer time in NYC
Your cheapest flight isn’t always your fastest. For instance, LGA is generally quickest to midtown (20–35 min by taxi or bus), while JFK and EWR require train transfers but may have cheaper fares. If you’re on a tight schedule — say, a Broadway matinee — that 30–40 minutes saved might be worth paying $20 more for the ticket. - Watch for flash sales and mistake fares
Sign up for alerts from sites like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) or Airfarewatchdog. While rare on short-haul domestic routes, I’ve seen Washington–NYC round-trips drop to $89 all-in for midweek travel.
Have a nice trip!
