Economy Roundtrip to Washington D C (MCO-DCA) in Nov from Orlando

November is a transitional travel month on the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) corridor. Expect steady demand from leisure travelers visiting Orlando theme parks early in the month and a sharp spike around Thanksgiving. Nonstop schedules are frequent with multiple daily departures, especially on American Airlines. For best fares, search for midweek departures and book 3–8 weeks in advance for November travel. Nearby destinations commonly accessed from MCO include Kissimmee, Tampa, Miami, Daytona Beach, and Cape Canaveral, while arrivals at DCA provide quick access to Arlington (All Airports), Alexandria, Baltimore, and downtown Washington, D.C. Use mobile check-in, TSA PreCheck, and reserve parking in advance to streamline your November departure.

Departing from Orlando (MCO) FAQs

For a domestic flight from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in November, plan to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. November includes holiday travel spikes (Veterans Day and Thanksgiving week), so add an extra 30–60 minutes during peak travel days to account for longer TSA lines and parking shuttles. Use TSA PreCheck to save time and check live MCO security wait times before leaving.

Yes — there are daily nonstop flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), typically operated by major carriers such as American Airlines and occasionally by Delta or JetBlue with codeshares. Nonstop flights usually take about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. For the best nonstop availability in November, book early and monitor schedules for Thanksgiving week when frequencies may increase.

The busiest departure days in November are typically the Wednesday and Sunday surrounding Thanksgiving (last full week of November), plus Veterans Day weekend if observed. Mid-week departures on Tuesday and Wednesday earlier in the month often have lower demand and better fares. Check flexible date search tools to find the cheapest midweek departures from MCO to DCA in November.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers on-site hourly, daily, and economy parking as well as cell phone lots and rideshare pickup zones. In November, expect higher demand for long-term parking during holiday travel; reserve a spot in advance or use shuttle/ride-hail services. Ground options to MCO include rental cars (serviced from the on-airport rental car center), shuttle buses, taxis, and app-based rideshares with designated pickup at Terminal A and Terminal B curbs.

Baggage rules are set by your airline rather than by Orlando International Airport (MCO). Expect standard carry-on and checked baggage policies from carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue. During November holiday travel, watch for capacity-based checked bag fees and consider prepaid baggage or priority boarding to secure overhead bin space. Always check your airline's baggage allowance before travel to avoid surprises at the MCO check-in counter.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) generally has mild November weather with lower rain-frequency than summer, so local weather delays are uncommon. However, delays en route can occur due to weather in the Washington, D.C. area (fog, rain, or early-season cold fronts). Check real-time flight status and sign up for airline alerts; consider booking morning departures from MCO to reduce the chance of cascading delays.

Arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in November from Orlando International Airport (MCO) means landing into the heart of the nation's capital during a month of memorial events and early holiday activity. Plan for shorter flight times (about 1 h 45 m nonstop) but increased local traffic on days around Veterans Day and the Thanksgiving holiday. Use the Metro (Yellow/Blue lines) or authorized rideshare pickup points for predictable transfers to downtown Washington, Arlington, and Alexandria. Nearby top destinations accessed via DCA include downtown Washington, Arlington (Rosslyn, Crystal City), Alexandria (Old Town), and Baltimore for extended travel.

Arriving at Washington, D.C. (DCA) FAQs

The fastest public option from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to downtown Washington, D.C. is the Metrorail via the Yellow and Blue lines (Crystal City station connects via pedestrian tunnel). November weather is usually cool and dry, making rail and rideshare convenient choices. For door-to-door service, rideshares or taxis at the designated DCA pickup zone typically take 10–20 minutes to the National Mall depending on traffic.

Yes. November includes Veterans Day commemorations and early holiday activities in Washington, D.C., which can increase vehicle traffic and security measures near the National Mall and Arlington. Expect occasional road closures and heavier rideshare demand; allow extra time for onward travel and check event schedules. If you need to reach Alexandria or Baltimore after arrival, plan for longer transit times on event days.

Baggage claim at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located directly below the terminal concourses; clear signage will guide you to car rental shuttles, taxi stands, and the Metro connection. In November, baggage carousels operate normally but may be busier during holiday surge periods; consider expedited baggage options or priority tags if offered by your airline. Follow DCA terminal signs to designated rideshare pickup areas to avoid curbside restrictions.

TSA PreCheck is available for departing passengers, not specifically for arrivals. However, if you booked a same-day return flight from DCA or have PreCheck for your next departure, you will enjoy expedited screening. For arrivals in November, prepare for enhanced security around high-profile events; carry necessary ID and follow any temporary instructions from airport staff.

Yes — DCA connects to regional transportation networks: take the Metrorail to Union Station to transfer to Amtrak or MARC trains toward Baltimore, or use intercity buses from downtown. While DCA itself primarily serves the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, airports reachable nearby include Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), and the DCA-MCO route offers good connections to other East Coast hubs. Allow additional travel time in November for holiday crowds and scheduled maintenance on WMATA or rail lines.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) offers comprehensive accessibility services, including wheelchair assistance, accessible shuttles, and visual/hearing support. Request assistance in advance with your airline or contact DCA customer service upon booking; November holiday periods may require earlier requests to ensure timely support. Check DCA's accessibility pages for specific guidance on mobility devices and service animals.

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November Events & Festivals — Orlando to Washington (MCO to DCA)

November on the MCO–DCA corridor includes several notable events that influence travel patterns. In Washington, D.C., Veterans Day ceremonies and early holiday installations (National Christmas Tree lighting lead-ups) can increase arrival traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and downtown vehicle congestion. In Orlando, theme parks launch holiday events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and early-season light shows, increasing outbound travel mid- to late-November. If you’re traveling for events, book flights early, reserve ground transport, and allow buffer time for road closures or transit service adjustments.

Best Time to Fly — MCO to DCA in November

For November travel from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), the best balance of price and reliability is usually found on midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) and early-morning departures. Avoid the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after for lower fares and fewer delays. Booking windows of 3–8 weeks ahead for non-holiday November travel and 8–12 weeks for Thanksgiving provide the best availability and pricing.

Tips

Prefer morning departures to reduce risk of cumulative delays.
Fly midweek to find lower fares and less crowded terminals at MCO and DCA.
Book earlier for Thanksgiving travel to secure nonstop flights.

Direct vs Connecting Flights — MCO to DCA Guidance for November

Nonstop flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) save time (about 1 h 45 m airborne) and lower the risk of missed connections. Connecting flights via hubs like Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), or Philadelphia (PHL) may be cheaper but add travel time and connection risk. In November, connecting itineraries are useful if nonstop inventory is sold out or fares spike during holiday windows, but for convenience and to avoid complications on busy travel days, nonstop is often preferable.

Airline Comparison — Carriers on the MCO to DCA Route (November)

American Airlines frequently operates the most nonstops between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), offering multiple daily flights and convenient schedules for business and holiday travelers. Delta Air Lines and JetBlue may provide one-stop or limited nonstop options depending on seasonal schedules; Delta often connects through Atlanta, while JetBlue’s footprint varies. United and other carriers might offer one-stop itineraries via hubs like Newark or Chicago. When comparing airlines in November, consider total travel time, baggage fees, seat assignments, and loyalty program benefits.

Seasonal Travel Tips — November Travel from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

November travel between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) requires simple seasonal prep: layer clothing for warm Orlando days and chilly D.C. mornings/evenings, pack a compact umbrella for variable fall showers, and allow extra time for security and ground transport during Thanksgiving week. Use mobile boarding passes and enroll in TSA PreCheck to speed checkpoint experience at MCO. If traveling with carry-on only, verify size limits with your airline to avoid gate-check fees during busy travel days.

Flight Time & Schedules — Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Nonstop flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) typically take about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours of airborne time. With taxi and ground time, expect door-to-door travel of roughly 3–4 hours including airport processes. Many carriers operate multiple daily flights; American Airlines often has the most frequencies between MCO and DCA. In November, frequency may increase during the week of Thanksgiving and during major D.C. events like Veterans Day.

Cheap Flights — Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in November

To find cheap flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in November, use flexible-date search tools and fare alerts. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) are usually least expensive, while the highest fares occur around Thanksgiving. Consider booking 21–45 days in advance for general November travel; for Thanksgiving, secure seats 60+ days ahead. Sign up for price drop alerts, compare nonstop vs one-stop options, and check both round-trip and one-way pricing to find the best deal.

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✈️ Flight Guide: Orlando (MCO) → Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Complete travel information for your November journey

Departing from Orlando (MCO) FAQs

How early should I arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a domestic flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in November?

Are there nonstop flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)?

What are the busiest days to depart Orlando International Airport (MCO) for Washington D.C. in November?

What parking and ground transportation options are available at Orlando International Airport (MCO) when flying to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)?

Do baggage rules change for flights departing Orlando International Airport (MCO) to DCA in November?

Is Orlando International Airport (MCO) affected by November weather that could delay flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)?

Arriving at Washington, D.C. (DCA) FAQs

What is the quickest way to get from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to downtown Washington, D.C. in November?

Are there special arrival considerations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) during November events?

Where can I collect checked baggage and find ground transport at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)?

Can I use TSA PreCheck benefits when arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)?

Is there public transit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Baltimore or other nearby cities in November?

Are there accessibility services at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for November travelers?