DC-Chicago commuting
 

I will be commuting on a weekly basis from DC to Chicago in the fall. Does anyone have any suggestions as to cost-saving strategies -- e.g., buying tickets in bulk? Many thanks.

Buy a one way ticket DC-Chicago and then buy Chicago-DC-Chicago roundtrips that are discounted due to a Saturday night stay. Then buy a one way back to DC when you're done commuting.

Yes, and consider ATA with reasonable schedule of non-stop flights DCA-MDW (Chicago Midway).

Lately AA has been attacking UA and has really really cheap flights sometime to Chicago from IAD.

Exactly. I have been commuting between Dallas and LAX for over 2 years using this method.

These suggestions are quite helpful -- thanks so much.
I'm sure it varies by airline, but is anyone familiar with a program by which an airline sells a group of tickets to a single flier at a discount. I met a commuter a couple of years ago who had made some such arrangement on a Cleveland (I believe)-DC route, but I've forgotten the details. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is whether there are any advantages, other than advance-purchase and frequent flyer miles, to making an aggregate as opposed to per-ticket (or per round trip) purchase.

I used to do the roundtrip trick when I commuted LAX-IAD routinely. Saved a lot of money.