DTW (Detroit) to SFO (San Francisco) flights arrive on time 76% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 76%. 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 October 2026.DTW → SFO
DTW (Detroit) to SFO (San Francisco)
DTW → SFO on-time performance by month
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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 edges out Frontier Airlines on this route — 76% vs 62% on time.
Airline Comparison
United Airlines leads at 76% on time; Frontier Airlines trails at 62%.
Accurate?
Good to know
Departing from DTW
81% on timeExpect ~18 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. DTW has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~8 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at SFO
76% on timeWhen flights into SFO are late, the average delay is 69 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at SFO: TSA is ~14 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
Flight cancelled or delayed?
Check what United Airlines owes you — refund rights, action plan, complaint email. Free.
Flying out of DTW? We'll brief you.
Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.
Know someone flying soon?
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Data last updated October 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.