Which airline is most reliable for DTW (Detroit) to STL (St. Louis)?

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

How often are flights delayed from DTW to STL?

About 19% of flights from DTW to STL experience delays. 81% arrive on time.

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

When flights from DTW to STL are delayed, the average delay is approximately 66 minutes.

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

With 81% of DTW to STL flights arriving on time and an average delay of 66 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at STL is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

DTW → STL

DTW (Detroit) to STL (St. Louis)

DTW (Detroit) to STL (St. Louis) flights arrive on time 81% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Spirit Airlines at 85%. The average delay is 66 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 → STL on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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This route is on time most of the time. About 81% of flights arrive on schedule.

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

Accurate?

Spirit Airlines is significantly more reliable on this route at 85% on time vs SkyWest Airlines at 61%.

Airline Comparison

Spirit Airlines leads at 85% on time; SkyWest Airlines trails at 61%.

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

More about DTW →

Arriving at STL

81% on time

When flights into STL are late, the average delay is 66 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

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

More about STL →Connection times at STL →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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Flying out of DTW? We'll brief you.

Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.

DTW Airport STL Airport

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