Flying from Washington, D.C. to New York City is one of the most frequent, convenient short-haul routes I’ve taken in the U.S.I’ve flown this route dozens of times—sometimes for business meetings in Midtown, sometimes to catch an exhibit at MoMA, or simply to enjoy the hum of the city. Firsthand breakdown of how to book flights smartly, what to avoid, how to save, and what to expect from the cabin experience, with real prices, personal emotions, and candid advice. I also share my exact flight details, how I booked it, how much I paid, and how it felt from boarding to landing.
Choosing the Right Moment to Fly: Why Timing Is Everything
When flying from D.C. to New York, timing is more than just departure hour—it’s about day of the week, season, and how early you book. In my experience, the best fares pop up if you’re booking around 5 to 7 weeks ahead of your intended departure. Booking too early—say, more than three months in advance—often yields standard prices. Book too late, and you’ll likely pay double.
For this particular journey, I wanted to fly up on a Thursday morning in May. Thursdays, especially early in the morning, tend to have lower fares and fewer delays, since they fall just before the high-volume weekend surge. I compared a dozen flights and prices for nearly two weeks before deciding.
The Flight I Took: United Airlines UA2186
The flight I ultimately chose was United Airlines Flight UA2186, a direct service from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York. The flight departed at 8:40 AM and arrived around 10:10 AM—a 1 hour 30 minute journey, gate to gate. I opted for Basic Economy, which was the lowest available fare class.
The total fare? $52.00 USD, booked through Expedia about six weeks prior to my trip. I briefly considered booking through United’s official site, but Expedia offered a mobile app promo that knocked $8 off the standard fare. Booking was smooth and confirmation arrived instantly.
Pre-Flight Preparations: What to Expect with Basic Economy
Flying Basic Economy comes with compromises. For one, I wasn’t allowed to choose my seat in advance unless I paid extra. No overhead carry-on bag was permitted—only a personal item that could fit under the seat. For a short trip, I was fine with that. I packed a small daypack with essentials, a laptop, and some toiletries.
Arriving at Dulles Airport early in the morning has its perks. TSA lines were short, and the United terminal had a surprisingly calm energy. There was no need to print anything—I checked in via the United app and walked straight through with mobile boarding pass in hand. I didn’t check any bags, so the entire process from front door to gate took under 20 minutes.
Onboard Experience: Honest Impressions from Economy
I was assigned seat 21A, a window seat on the left side of the plane near the rear. The aircraft was an Airbus A319, a narrow-body jet used for short-haul domestic routes. The interior felt clean and relatively modern, though definitely more functional than luxurious.
Legroom was modest. I’m about 5’11” (180 cm), and I had just enough space to sit comfortably, but not much more. The seat didn’t recline far, and the cushion felt thin after 30 minutes. Still, the window view more than made up for it.
Flight attendants did a quick pass-through for safety checks and offered complimentary beverages. I chose a ginger ale. Snacks weren’t included unless you paid extra, so I had brought a croissant and coffee from the terminal—a decision I would highly recommend.
What made this flight memorable was the view. As we descended into New York, we passed over the East River. I pressed my forehead to the glass and watched the skyline emerge: the glint of glass towers, the steel bones of Manhattan. Every time I fly into LaGuardia from the south, I remember why I love air travel. It’s not just about transport—it’s a cinematic moment unfolding in real life.
Arrival in New York: LaGuardia’s Revival
We landed slightly ahead of schedule at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Once considered the least appealing of New York’s three major airports, LaGuardia has gone through a complete renaissance. The new Terminal B is sleek, well-lit, and intuitive to navigate. Within 10 minutes of stepping off the plane, I was curbside calling an Uber.
I could have taken public transit, but for speed and comfort I opted for a rideshare. The fare from LGA to Midtown was around $37, including tolls and tip. In total, from deplaning to arriving at my hotel in Midtown Manhattan, it took just under 50 minutes.
Booking Smart: One-Way vs Round-Trip and Where to Reserve
One key decision travelers face is whether to book one-way or round-trip. Personally, I lean toward one-way bookings for short domestic flights like this—especially if your return dates aren’t locked in. That said, round-trip fares can sometimes be 20–30% cheaper, especially with full-service carriers like Delta or American.
For this route, I tested prices across Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights, and Skyscanner. Expedia often has the most promo codes or bundled hotel deals, while Kayak is great for showing fare flexibility by date. Google Flights helped me track fare drops using its alert system.
Here’s what I found:
- One-way fares typically ranged from $49 to $92, depending on day and time.
- Round-trips hovered between $103 and $145.
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays had the best rates.
- Sunday evenings and Friday afternoons were the priciest.
If you’re flexible, you can absolutely find a flight under $60 one-way with just a bit of foresight.
Other Flights I’ve Taken and Recommend
Over time, I’ve tried several different carriers and routes between D.C. and New York. Here are a few of the best:
Delta Connection from Reagan National (DCA) to JFK: If you’re staying near downtown D.C., flying out of Reagan is a dream. It’s just minutes from Capitol Hill. Delta’s service is polished, and JFK is ideal if you’re continuing internationally.
American Airlines from DCA to LGA: These flights run frequently and are ideal for business travelers. I’ve flown this route multiple times, and while it’s a bit pricier, the service is reliable.
JetBlue from DCA to JFK: This is my go-to when I want more legroom and in-flight amenities (like free WiFi). JetBlue offers great value, especially for midweek departures.
Southwest from BWI to Newark (EWR): If you’re on a strict budget and don’t mind traveling to Baltimore, Southwest has excellent deals. Just factor in the extra transit time.
Understanding the Airports: Which Ones to Choose
In Washington, you have three airport options:
Dulles International (IAD) is the largest and most connected, but it’s also the farthest from the city—around 45 minutes to an hour’s drive. Flights tend to be cheaper, especially early morning departures.
Reagan National (DCA) is my favorite for convenience. Located just across the Potomac, it’s only 10 minutes from downtown by Metro. Flights are slightly more expensive but worth it for the time saved.
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) is an excellent option if you’re closer to Baltimore or want to use Southwest Airlines. It’s also typically cheaper, though less convenient for D.C.-based travelers.
In New York, you’ll arrive at one of three:
LaGuardia (LGA) is closest to Manhattan, only 20–25 minutes from Midtown. It’s ideal for short domestic hops and now has a gorgeous, brand-new terminal.
JFK is best for international connections or if you’re heading to Brooklyn or Queens. Transit options into Manhattan are a bit slower but manageable.
Newark (EWR) is across the river in New Jersey. It’s not as central, but sometimes has cheaper fares. If you’re staying in Lower Manhattan, it’s not a bad option.
Final Tips and Things to Avoid
Let me wrap this up with a few key suggestions:
- Always use a fare alert tool (Google Flights, Kayak, Hopper) to track pricing trends. Don’t guess—watch the data.
- Avoid Basic Economy if you need overhead space or a flexible ticket. Sometimes the upgrade to Standard Economy is worth the peace of mind.
- Fly midweek—especially early Tuesday or Thursday—for lower prices and fewer delays.
- Bring your own food and headphones. Most short-haul domestic flights have no free snacks or entertainment.
- Check traffic before choosing your airport. DCA might save you an hour on the ground compared to IAD or BWI.
- Don’t book last-minute unless absolutely necessary. Prices can double or triple within 48 hours of departure.
Worth Every Minute
My flight from Washington to New York was short, efficient, and surprisingly delightful. For just over $50, I got from capital to cultural epicenter in less than two hours, all while watching the Manhattan skyline bloom beneath the wings. Flying doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful—if you plan smart, stay flexible, and know what to expect, you can make the journey part of the adventure.
Next time you’re planning this route, remember: fly midweek, book early, and don’t overpack. The rest will take care of itself. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a window seat with a view of the Empire State Building bathed in morning gold.
