DCA (Washington) to SAN (San Diego) flights arrive on time 67% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Alaska Airlines at 67%. The average delay is 40 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by air traffic and busy airspace.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.DCA → SAN
DCA (Washington) to SAN (San Diego)
DCA → SAN on-time performance by month
25
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Worse
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This route is delayed fairly often. About 67% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by air traffic and busy airspace.
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Good to know
Departing from DCA
79% on timeExpect ~19 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. DCA has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~7 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
DCA cancels 2.6% of flights — higher than average. Have a backup plan.
Arriving at SAN
80% on timeWhen flights into SAN are late, the average delay is 60 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at SAN: TSA is ~5 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
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Data last updated March 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.