Which airline is most reliable for BUR (Burbank) to SMF (Sacramento)?

The most reliable airline on the BUR to SMF route is Southwest Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 87%.

How often are flights delayed from BUR to SMF?

About 14% of flights from BUR to SMF experience delays. 86% arrive on time.

What's the average delay on BUR to SMF flights?

When flights from BUR to SMF are delayed, the average delay is approximately 52 minutes.

Is a short connection safe after a BUR to SMF flight?

With 86% of BUR to SMF flights arriving on time and an average delay of 52 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at SMF is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

Is BUR (Burbank) to SMF (Sacramento) usually delayed?

No, BUR to SMF flights are generally reliable. 86% arrive on time, which is above average. When delays do occur, they average 52 minutes.

What airline is most reliable on BUR (Burbank) to SMF (Sacramento)?

Southwest Airlines is the most reliable airline flying BUR to SMF, with 87% of flights arriving on time. The least reliable is Spirit Airlines at 76%.

What's the best month to fly BUR (Burbank) to SMF (Sacramento)?

The best month to fly BUR to SMF is February, when 89% of flights arrive on time. The worst month is October at 82% on time. If your schedule is flexible, flying in February gives you the best odds of an on-time arrival.

BUR → SMF

BUR (Burbank) to SMF (Sacramento)

BUR (Burbank) to SMF (Sacramento) flights arrive on time 86% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Southwest Airlines at 87%. The average delay is 52 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by late incoming aircraft.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated November 2026.

BUR → SMF on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is usually on time. About 86% of flights arrive on schedule.

Delays on this route are most often caused by late incoming aircraft.

Accurate?

Southwest Airlines edges out Spirit Airlines on this route — 87% vs 76% on time.

Airline Comparison

Southwest Airlines leads at 87% on time; Spirit Airlines trails at 76%.

Accurate?

Best & worst months to fly BUR → SMF

Best month

February

89% on time

Worst month

October

82% on time

Feb

89%

Jan

89%

Sep

88%

Jul

87%

Mar

87%

Apr

87%

Nov

87%

Aug

86%

Dec

86%

May

86%

Jun

84%

Oct

82%

Good to know

Departing from BUR

82% on time

Expect ~16 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. BUR has long runway queues.

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

More about BUR →

Arriving at SMF

82% on time

When flights into SMF are late, the average delay is 58 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at SMF: TSA is ~5 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about SMF →Connection times at SMF →

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