Which airline is most reliable for DTW (Detroit) to ATL (Atlanta)?

The most reliable airline on the DTW to ATL route is Delta Air Lines, with an on-time arrival rate of 83%.

How often are flights delayed from DTW to ATL?

About 20% of flights from DTW to ATL experience delays. 80% arrive on time.

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

When flights from DTW to ATL are delayed, the average delay is approximately 70 minutes.

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

With 80% of DTW to ATL flights arriving on time and an average delay of 70 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at ATL is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

DTW → ATL

DTW (Detroit) to ATL (Atlanta)

DTW (Detroit) to ATL (Atlanta) flights arrive on time 80% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Delta Air Lines at 83%. The average delay is 70 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated July 2026.

DTW → ATL on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 80% 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 83% on time vs Frontier Airlines at 63%.

Airline Comparison

Delta Air Lines leads at 83% on time; Frontier Airlines trails at 63%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from DTW

80% on time

Expect ~18 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. DTW has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~7 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about DTW →

Arriving at ATL

80% on time

When flights into ATL are late, the average delay is 72 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at ATL: TSA is ~31 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about ATL →Connection times at ATL →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.

DTW Airport ATL Airport

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