DEN (Denver) to SMF (Sacramento) flights arrive on time 76% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 81%. The average delay is 56 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.DEN → SMF
DEN (Denver) to SMF (Sacramento)
DEN → SMF on-time performance by month
This route is on time most of the time. About 76% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
United Airlines edges out Southwest Airlines on this route — 81% vs 72% on time.
Airline Comparison
United Airlines leads at 81% on time; Southwest Airlines trails at 72%.
Good to know
Departing from DEN
78% on timeExpect ~17 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. DEN has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~5 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at SMF
82% on timeWhen 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.
Know before you go
Flying DEN → SMF? We'll brief you before takeoff.
Know someone flying soon?
Send them the link — delay data, TSA waits, weather, all free.
Data last updated March 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.