Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Santa Maria (RIA)

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Flight from Washington to Santa Maria (DCA - RIA) route information
Origin airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
Santa Maria
Distance
4969 mi

Washington to Santa Maria Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington to Santa Maria

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Washington to Santa Maria are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Santa Maria with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Santa Maria

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington to Santa Maria: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Washington to Santa Maria

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Washington to Santa Maria in 2024. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Washington to Santa Maria flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Washington to Santa Maria airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from DCA to Santa Maria Airport (RIA) last minute?
Booking your flight from DCA to Santa Maria Airport last minute could save you money if you’re lucky enough to find an epic deal. However, fares don’t typically get cheaper as the departure date nears. If you wait around, flights could also be booked solid or the best seats gone (hello, middle seat!). If you’d rather play it safe, book well ahead of your departure date. In fact, some of the best deals are available on Expedia up to 12 months in advance. If your preferred carrier hasn’t released its fares yet, check back regularly as offers are constantly updated on Expedia.
What airports do you fly into for Santa Maria from Arlington?
Take off from Arlington to Santa Maria and you’ll touch down at Santa Maria Airport (RIA). The terminal is roughly 7 mi east of downtown Santa Maria. Start your urban break with an outing to Royal Plaza Shopping and Vicente Pallotti Museum, which are two of Santa Maria’s unmissable attractions.
Can I change the date of my flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Santa Maria Airport (RIA)?
You can easily make changes to your DCA to Santa Maria Airport (RIA) trip through the Expedia Trips portal. Before making any amendments, read the fare conditions in your itinerary to see what you’re able to do and if any charges apply. Some airlines charge a change fee per person, in addition to any difference in airfares. But if you booked in the last 24 hours, you may be able to cancel for free and book new flights. You can also browse our Customer Service portal for more information and to chat with our Virtual Agent.
*Available to One Key members.