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 90%.

How often are flights delayed from DTW to IAD?

About 24% of flights from DTW to IAD experience delays. 76% 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 87 minutes.

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

With 76% of DTW to IAD flights arriving on time and an average delay of 87 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 76% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 90%. The average delay is 87 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated August 2026.

DTW → IAD on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

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 airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Accurate?

United Airlines is significantly more reliable on this route at 90% on time vs SkyWest Airlines at 72%.

Airline Comparison

United Airlines leads at 90% on time; SkyWest Airlines trails at 72%.

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 IAD

82% on time

When flights into IAD are late, the average delay is 75 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at IAD: TSA is ~6 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about IAD →Connection times at IAD →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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DTW Airport IAD Airport

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