$44 Cheap flight deals from Washington (WAS) to Sarasota (TPA)

The Best DC Airports

Before you call airlines looking for flights from Washington, DC, you should check with Orbitz.com. The two major airports in DC are Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Alaska Airlines, US Airways, and Frontier Airlines handle domestic flights from Ronald Reagan, while Virgin America, ExpressJet Airlines, and Colgan Air operate out of Washington Dulles. Ronald Reagan is only three miles from the downtown area, and Washington Dulles is 26 miles from downtown.

Long-Term Parking Options

The five parking lots at Ronald Reagan offer daily and hourly parking rates, and the airport charges $20 per day for parking in the long-term lots. The economy lot only charges $12 per day, but this lot is open and uncovered. Washington Dulles has two long-term parking lots that charge $17 per day and one economy lot that charges $10 per day. For $30, you can use valet parking.

Public Transportation Choices

The Metrorail and Metrobus make at least one stop at each airport every day. The stops are clearly marked around the city, and you can find maps that help you find the correct line. Taxis are not as low cost as the public transportation options because the drivers charge a pickup fee, baggage fee, fee per mile, and a fee for any time that the driver must wait.

Places to Eat

Both airports offer a range of dining options. Washington Dulles is home to Dulles to Go, Five Guys, Subway, and Wendy's, while Ronald Reagan has Dunkin' Donuts, Euro Cafe, and Jerry's Subs & Pizza. Once you have something to eat, you can browse through the sales at some of the shops surrounding the restaurants. If you want to enjoy your vacation, use Orbitz.com to look for flights from Washington DC.

Flights to Sarasota

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, located at 6000 Airport Circle, Sarasota, FL, serves the passengers of Delta, AirTran, jetBlue, US Airways and Air Canada airlines. By using the search features at Orbitz.com, travelers can find budget flights to Sarasota without hiring a travel planner. Downtown is just six miles south of the airport, while the city of Bradenton is ten miles to the north, making travel to and from the facilities fast and relatively inexpensive.

Going to and From Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

For those who want to drive during their stay, rental cars are available through Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Free shuttles may be available through your hotel or airline, although the public bus also offers affordable rides at just $1.50 per person. Taxis and other hired cars are available on an individual basis. The typical fare for traveling from the airport to downtown is $40.

The Weather in Sarasota

By and large, the seasons are good to travelers in Sarasota, though reading through the reviews at Orbitz.com may help people decide when to schedule certain events. The year-round temperature averages 72 degrees, but the temps can reach into the 90s during the summer months or dip into the chilly 40s or 50s during the coldest parts of the year. However, snow in Sarasota is an anomaly.

Sarasota Sights and Entertainment

Sarasota is a focal point for cultural arts and conservation in Florida. Each year the Sarasota Orchestra hosts a three-week music festival that draws people in from around the world. Students from Florida State University complete their master's training at the Asolo Conservatory there, and several theater, opera and ballet houses fill the city. The city is also home to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Sarasota Jungle Gardens, which attract nature lovers from across Florida and beyond. While Orbitz.com is crafty at finding the best flights to Sarasota, travelers can also use it to book accommodations and get discounts for the city's top attractions.