Which airline is most reliable for DTW (Detroit) to FLL (Fort Lauderdale)?

The most reliable airline on the DTW to FLL route is Spirit Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 80%.

How often are flights delayed from DTW to FLL?

About 21% of flights from DTW to FLL experience delays. 79% arrive on time.

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

When flights from DTW to FLL are delayed, the average delay is approximately 65 minutes.

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

With 79% of DTW to FLL flights arriving on time and an average delay of 65 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at FLL is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

DTW → FLL

DTW (Detroit) to FLL (Fort Lauderdale)

DTW (Detroit) to FLL (Fort Lauderdale) flights arrive on time 79% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Spirit Airlines at 80%. The average delay is 65 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated April 2026.

DTW → FLL on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 79% of flights arrive on schedule.

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

Accurate?

Airlines are roughly equal on this route — Spirit Airlines leads slightly at 80% vs Delta Air Lines at 79%.

Airline Comparison

Spirit Airlines leads at 80% on time; Delta Air Lines trails at 79%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from DTW

84% on time

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

TSA is currently ~12 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about DTW →

Arriving at FLL

75% on time

When flights into FLL are late, the average delay is 71 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at FLL: TSA is ~15 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about FLL →Connection times at FLL →

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