Which airline is most reliable for ATL (Atlanta) to SAN (San Diego)?

The most reliable airline on the ATL to SAN route is Delta Air Lines, with an on-time arrival rate of 78%.

How often are flights delayed from ATL to SAN?

About 23% of flights from ATL to SAN experience delays. 77% arrive on time.

What's the average delay on ATL to SAN flights?

When flights from ATL to SAN are delayed, the average delay is approximately 50 minutes.

Is a short connection safe after a ATL to SAN flight?

With 77% of ATL to SAN flights arriving on time and an average delay of 50 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at SAN is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

ATL → SAN

ATL (Atlanta) to SAN (San Diego)

ATL (Atlanta) to SAN (San Diego) flights arrive on time 77% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Delta Air Lines at 78%. The average delay is 50 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated October 2026.

ATL → SAN on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

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This route is on time most of the time. About 77% of flights arrive on schedule.

Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Accurate?

Delta Air Lines is significantly more reliable on this route at 78% on time vs Frontier Airlines at 49%.

Airline Comparison

Delta Air Lines leads at 78% on time; Frontier Airlines trails at 49%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from ATL

81% on time

Expect ~17 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. ATL has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~29 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about ATL →

Arriving at SAN

78% on time

When flights into SAN are late, the average delay is 60 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at SAN: TSA is ~14 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about SAN →Connection times at SAN →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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ATL Airport SAN Airport

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Data last updated October 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.