Which airline is most reliable for DTW (Detroit) to LAX (Los Angeles)?

The most reliable airline on the DTW to LAX route is Spirit Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 85%.

How often are flights delayed from DTW to LAX?

About 17% of flights from DTW to LAX experience delays. 83% arrive on time.

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

When flights from DTW to LAX are delayed, the average delay is approximately 63 minutes.

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

With 83% of DTW to LAX flights arriving on time and an average delay of 63 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at LAX is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

DTW → LAX

DTW (Detroit) to LAX (Los Angeles)

DTW (Detroit) to LAX (Los Angeles) flights arrive on time 83% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Spirit Airlines at 85%. The average delay is 63 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 → LAX on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 83% 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 85% vs Delta Air Lines at 82%.

Airline Comparison

Spirit Airlines leads at 85% on time; Delta Air Lines trails at 82%.

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 LAX

82% on time

When flights into LAX are late, the average delay is 68 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at LAX: TSA is ~20 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about LAX →Connection times at LAX →

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