Best Flights starting from $111
from$111economy
Phoenix (PHX)
Sat, May 9
One-way
Washington, D.C. (DCA)
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from$131economy
Phoenix (PHX)
Mon, May 4
One-way
Washington, D.C. (DCA)
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from$132economy
Phoenix (PHX)
Fri, May 8
One-way
Washington, D.C. (DCA)
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from$180economy
Phoenix (PHX)
Tue, May 5
One-way
Washington, D.C. (DCA)
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from$186economy
Phoenix (PHX)
Wed, May 6
One-way
Washington, D.C. (DCA)
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from$217economy
Phoenix (PHX)
Thu, May 7
One-way
Washington, D.C. (DCA)
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from$310economy
Phoenix (PHX)
Sun, May 3
One-way
Washington, D.C. (DCA)
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Other Destinations
Phoenix (PHX) to Las Vegas (Any) in May from $46
From $46
Phoenix (PHX) to San Diego (SAN) in May from $46
From $46
Phoenix (PHX) to Los Angeles (LAX) in May from $51
From $51
Phoenix (PHX) to Las Vegas (LAS) in May from $52
From $52
Phoenix (PHX) to Cleveland (CLE) in May from $56
From $56
Phoenix (PHX) to Salt Lake City (SLC) in May from $71
From $71
Flights from Other Cities
San Francisco (SFO) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) in May from $86
From $86
Chicago (MDW) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) in May from $104
From $104
Denver (DEN) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) in May from $118
From $118
Tampa (TPA) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) in May from $140
From $140
Austin (AUS) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) in May from $151
From $151
Atlanta (ATL) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) in May from $160
From $160
✈️ Flight Guide: Phoenix (PHX) → Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Complete travel information for your May journey
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) experiences increasing passenger volumes beginning in May as warm-weather travel rises. Nonstop flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) are commonly available via major carriers; book early for best fares and seats. Expect busy travel on Memorial Day weekend and aim for mid-week departures for lower prices and quieter terminals. For convenient ground access, use the PHX Sky Train to connect to Valley Metro Rail, and reserve parking ahead of time—covered lots fill quickly as temperatures increase. Nearby destinations commonly accessed from PHX include Scottsdale (All Airports not applicable — Scottsdale is served via PHX), Tempe, Mesa, Sedona, Flagstaff, and Tucson, making it easy to combine a Southwest trip with your Washington, DC itinerary.
Departing from Phoenix (PHX) FAQs
For domestic flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in May, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for security and parking processing, and 2 hours if you need to check bags or use peak-hour assistance. May marks the start of the busy summer travel season, so mornings and late afternoons can be busier; consider extra time for rental car returns and shuttle transfers. Check live security wait times on the PHX airport website and set a flight-tracking alert for last-minute gate changes.
Yes—American Airlines frequently operates nonstop flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and nonstop schedules are commonly available in May. Frequency can vary by day of week, so check weekly schedules and book early for the best nonstop fares and seats. If nonstop options are limited, consider alternative airports like Washington Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall (BWI) for additional nonstop or lower-cost routes.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to downtown Phoenix, the PHX Sky Train to the Valley Metro Rail is fast and reliable year-round and especially useful in May when traffic can pick up. Rideshare services, taxis, and airport shuttles are widely available; however, allow extra time on Memorial Day weekend or during large May events. If you need parking, long-term parking lots fill faster as temperatures rise in May, so reserve a spot online where possible.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) maintains cooler indoor temperatures and offers lounges, family areas, and charging stations that are especially welcome in May's warming weather. Many airline lounges open to Admirals Club or partner lounges are accessible by membership or day-pass; make reservations or verify access policies before traveling. Travelers with heat-sensitive needs should plan layovers indoors and use airport amenities to avoid outdoor exposure when transferring between terminals.
In May, Phoenix begins to warm significantly, so pack layered clothing for the DCA climate and check flight alerts for thunderstorms that can affect eastern connections. Memorial Day weekend sees a spike in bookings and traffic, so book early and consider mid-week departures for cheaper fares and quieter terminals. Sign up for airline alerts and monitor PHX flight status before heading to the airport to avoid delays caused by spring weather or higher passenger volumes.
For May travel, reserve PHX long-term or economy parking online to secure lower rates and avoid full lots during holiday weekends. Covered parking options and off-site lots with shuttle service are popular as temperatures climb; consider pre-booking a covered spot if you’ll be away long-term. Use official Phoenix Sky Harbor parking pages for up-to-date pricing and shuttle schedules to ensure timely arrival at your terminal.
Arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in May means quick access to Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. The airport’s Metro link provides direct service into central DC, with alternatives including taxi and rideshare to nearby hotspots like Arlington, Alexandria, and Bethesda. May brings warmer weather and increased visitor activity ahead of Memorial Day, so expect popular museums and outdoor monuments to be busy. For flexible travel, consider alternative airports—Washington Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall (BWI)—if you need more schedule options or lower fares.
Arriving at Washington, D.C. (DCA) FAQs
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is very close to downtown Washington, DC—expect a 10–20 minute ride by taxi, rideshare, or the Metrorail Yellow or Blue lines under normal May traffic conditions. During Memorial Day preparations or May events, add 10–15 minutes to account for road closures or increased visitor volume. The Metro from DCA to central stations like L’Enfant Plaza or Metro Center offers a direct, reliable option to avoid surface traffic.
In May, DCA sees higher visitor numbers due to spring ceremonies and early summer tourism—arrive ready for moderate queues at security and plan ground transport ahead of time for Memorial Day events. DCA has strict perimeter rules and curfew windows for some carriers, so confirm gate assignments and baggage handling times; pack layers for variable east-coast spring weather. Consider alternative airports (IAD or BWI) if you need evening flexibility or lower fares, then shuttle into the DC metro area.
Yes. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is directly served by Washington Metro’s Yellow and Blue lines, providing fast access to downtown DC, Arlington, and suburban Maryland. In May, service schedules remain frequent but check for planned maintenance on weekends and holiday service changes around Memorial Day. Local bus services and water taxi options from nearby piers also expand access to destinations like Alexandria and National Harbor.
When you arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), you’re within easy reach of Washington, DC’s National Mall, Arlington (including the Arlington National Cemetery), Alexandria’s Old Town, Bethesda, and Baltimore via short drives or Metro connections. May is ideal for visiting outdoor monuments, museums, and waterfront festivals, so plan extra time to enjoy nearby neighborhoods. If your itinerary includes Annapolis or Richmond, consider renting a car for one-day excursions.
For domestic flights arriving at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), baggage claim is typically quick, but May’s higher passenger volumes can mean slightly longer waits—plan an extra 10–20 minutes. DCA does not handle international customs for most international arrivals (those usually go through IAD or other pre-cleared airports), so international travelers should confirm their entry airport. Use the airport’s baggage services and claim announcements to track delayed items, and contact your carrier immediately for mishandled luggage resolution.
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May Events & Festivals — Phoenix (PHX) Departures and Washington, DC (DCA) Arrivals
May brings seasonal festivals and observances that affect travel between Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). In Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Scottsdale First Friday ArtWalks, outdoor markets, and pre-summer concerts increase local travel demand. In Washington, DC and neighboring Arlington and Alexandria, May features Memorial Day commemorations, outdoor museum exhibits, and waterfront festivals; these events attract tourists and can lead to increased hotel rates and busier airports around late-May weekends. Plan ahead for busy transit and consider early bookings to avoid Memorial Day surcharges.
Best Time to Fly PHX to DCA — May Travel Insights
For May travel between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), the best days to fly are typically Tuesday through Thursday, avoiding the Memorial Day peak at the end of the month. Early-morning departures offer the most reliable on-time performance and fewer crowds at security, while late-night flights can provide cheaper fares if you’re flexible. Book 4–8 weeks in advance for the best combination of price and availability.
Direct vs Connecting: PHX to DCA Flights in May
Nonstop flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) save time—usually cutting total travel by 1–3 hours versus one-stop connections—and are ideal for business travelers or those short on time in May. Connecting flights often cost less and offer more schedule options, but add risk of missed connections during high-volume periods like Memorial Day weekend. If price is a priority, compare one-stop itineraries via major hubs and allow a comfortable connection window to minimize stress.
Airline Comparison: PHX to DCA Options for May Travel
American Airlines typically offers nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), making it a top choice for time-sensitive travelers in May. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines mainly provide one-stop alternatives through their respective hubs, which can yield lower fares and more schedule options. Compare seat pitch, in-flight amenities, checked baggage fees, and loyalty program benefits—American may win for nonstop convenience, while Delta and United can offer competitive pricing and frequent flier redemption opportunities.
May Seasonal Travel Tips for PHX to DCA Trips
May travel between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) requires packing for two climates: Phoenix’s warm and dry conditions and Washington, DC’s mild, sometimes rainy spring weather. Bring light layers, a compact umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes for outdoor monuments and museum visits. Reserve airport parking or rideshares in advance for Memorial Day weekend, monitor flight status via airline apps, and enroll in TSA PreCheck if you travel frequently to save time at security checkpoints.
Flight Time & Schedules for PHX to DCA in May
The nonstop flight time from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) typically ranges from 3 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes, depending on winds and routing. Early-morning departures tend to have better on-time performance, while afternoon flights can be susceptible to eastbound turbulence or cascading delays. In May, airlines may add frequency on popular days leading into Memorial Day weekend, so check schedules two to three weeks ahead for additional midday or evening flights.
Find Cheap PHX to DCA Flights in May — Deals, Hacks, and Alternatives
To find cheap PHX to DCA flights in May, search with flexible dates, set price alerts, and consider nearby airports—Washington Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington (BWI)—which often yield lower fares. Mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) usually offer the best bargains, while Memorial Day weekend commands premium prices. Book 4–8 weeks before travel for typical May savings and compare one-stop itineraries through major hubs to shave costs. Consider flying into IAD or BWI and taking a short train or shuttle to Washington, DC if DCA nonstop fares are high.