Which airline is most reliable for DTW (Detroit) to SFO (San Francisco)?

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

How often are flights delayed from DTW to SFO?

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

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

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

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

With 78% of DTW to SFO flights arriving on time and an average delay of 65 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at SFO is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

DTW → SFO

DTW (Detroit) to SFO (San Francisco)

DTW (Detroit) to SFO (San Francisco) flights arrive on time 78% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United 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 May 2026.

DTW → SFO on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

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?

Airlines are roughly equal on this route — United Airlines leads slightly at 80% vs Delta Air Lines at 77%.

Airline Comparison

United Airlines leads at 80% on time; Delta Air Lines trails at 77%.

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 ~11 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about DTW →

Arriving at SFO

80% on time

When flights into SFO are late, the average delay is 67 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at SFO: TSA is ~21 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about SFO →Connection times at SFO →

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DTW Airport SFO Airport

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