As the largest airline in the world, American Airlines operates numerous subsidiaries that handle short regional routes. Indeed, American Airlines boasts a strong route network in the Northeastern United States. As it stands, some of these routes are pretty short, not exceeding 250 miles.

This article will explore American Airlines' shortest routes originating from Washington National Airport (DCA), based on July 2024 data provided by aviation analytics firm Cirium. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, situated in Crystal City, Virginia, United States, is just five miles away from Washington, DC, making it the nearest airport to the country's capital. It is worth noting that DCA is also one of American Airlines' focus airports.

5 Washington National Airport (DCA) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Flight distance: 214 miles (344 kilometers)

Fifth on the list is the airline group's route between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York. This route is operated by both American Airlines and Republic Airways, a regional partner of American Airlines.

• Available seat miles (ASMs): 4,039,464
• Seats: 18,876
• Number of flights in July 2024: 169

For this relatively brief route, American Airlines uses its fleet of regional jets, such as the Embraer E175LR or Airbus A319 aircraft. The route between the two cities is quite popular, with five to six daily flights, depending on the day of the week.

Besides American Airlines, Delta Air Lines offers a direct, nonstop route between the two cities with comparable frequencies. Delta Air Lines uses its fleet of regional jets, including the Embraer E170 and Embraer E175s. The journey between DCA and LGA takes approximately 40 minutes by plane.

In addition to direct flights, there is a direct railway service from Washington DC to Penn Station in New York, with the journey taking approximately three hours. Penn Station is just eight miles away from LGA airport.

4 Washington National Airport (DCA) to New York (JFK)

Flight distance: 213 miles (342 kilometers)

The Washington National Airport (DCA) to New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) route comes as American Airlines' fourth shortest route from DCA airport. This short route is solely operated by American Airlines' regional partner, Republic Airways, typically using American Airlines' Embraer E175LR regional jets.

• Available seat miles (ASMs): 1,505,484
• Seats: 7,068
• Number of flights in July 2024: 93

Delta Air Lines, once again, emerges as the main competitor on this route, as the Atlanta-based carrier also provides nonstop direct service on this short route. Notably, both American Airlines and Delta offer three daily flights from DCA to JFK.

3 Washington National Airport (DCA) to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT)

Flight distance: 205 miles (329 kilometers)

Right in the middle is the airline's route between DCA Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). This short hop between the two cities is operated by three carriers: American Airlines, Republic Airways, and PSA Airlines, which is another regional partner of American Airlines.

• Available seat miles (ASMs): 2,431,505
• Seats: 11,861
• Number of flights in July 2024: 120

American Airlines uses a variety of aircraft on this route, including Bombardier CRJ 700 jets, Airbus A319s, Airbus A320s, and Airbus A321s, among other narrowbody aircraft. It is worth noting that American Airlines is the only carrier among its rivals that offers nonstop flights between DCA Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).

2 Washington National Airport (DCA) to Norfolk Airport (ORF)

Flight distance: 142 miles (228 kilometers)

The least popular route on American Airlines' July 2024 schedule from DCA airport happens to be one of the shortest. Despite being the least popular route on this list, the world's largest airline offers a substantial number of 89 flights this month between DCA Airport and Norfolk International Airport (ORF).

• Available seat miles (ASMs): 912,066
• Seats: 6,423
• Number of flights in July 2024: 89

Similarly to the DCA to PIT route, American Airlines uses its fleet of Bombardier CRJ 700 and Bombardier CRJ 900 regional aircraft on the DCA to ORF route. American Airlines remains the sole carrier among its competitors, providing nonstop flights between these two destinations. According to Planespotters.net data, American Airlines has a total of 144 CRJ 700s and 80 CRJ 900 regional jets.

1 Washington National Airport (DCA) to Philadelphia Airport (PHL)

Flight distance: 119 miles (191 kilometers)

The shortest American Airlines route from DCA airport is to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This route is covered by two American Airlines regional partners, including Republic Airways and PSA Airlines.

• Available seat miles (ASMs): 1,100,940
• Seats: 9,260
• Number of flights in July 2024: 123

Despite being the shortest flight, easily covered by car or train, this route is one of the most popular on this list, with 123 scheduled flights in July 2024. The carrier offers four to five daily flights to PHL and uses a mixed fleet of regional airliners, including Bombardier CRJ 700s, Bombardier CRJ 900s, and Embraer E175LRs.

There are no rival airlines offering direct flights between DCA and PHL. However, there are at least two trains per hour traveling between the two cities. The flight lasts approximately half an hour, while the train ride lasts between one hour and a half to two hours.