Which airline is most reliable for DTW (Detroit) to IAD (Washington)?

The most reliable airline on the DTW to IAD route is United Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 95%.

How often are flights delayed from DTW to IAD?

About 22% of flights from DTW to IAD experience delays. 78% arrive on time.

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

When flights from DTW to IAD are delayed, the average delay is approximately 80 minutes.

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

With 78% of DTW to IAD flights arriving on time and an average delay of 80 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at IAD is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

DTW → IAD

DTW (Detroit) to IAD (Washington)

DTW (Detroit) to IAD (Washington) flights arrive on time 78% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 95%. The average delay is 80 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.

DTW → IAD on-time performance by month

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This route is on time most of the time. About 78% of flights arrive on schedule.

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

Accurate?

United Airlines is significantly more reliable on this route at 95% on time vs SkyWest Airlines at 76%.

Airline Comparison

United Airlines leads at 95% on time; SkyWest Airlines trails at 76%.

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 ~5 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about DTW →

Arriving at IAD

83% on time

When flights into IAD are late, the average delay is 74 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

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

More about IAD →Connection times at IAD →

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Delay riskDOT stats + live data

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