IAD (Washington) to SFO (San Francisco) flights arrive on time 81% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 81%. The average delay is 72 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated August 2026.IAD → SFO
IAD (Washington) to SFO (San Francisco)
IAD → SFO on-time performance by month
24
25
26
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Worse
Better
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 incoming plane arriving late.
Accurate?
Airlines are roughly equal on this route — United Airlines leads slightly at 81% vs Alaska Airlines at 77%.
Airline Comparison
United Airlines leads at 81% on time; Alaska Airlines trails at 77%.
Accurate?
Good to know
Departing from IAD
82% on timeExpect ~21 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. IAD has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~25 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at SFO
78% 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 ~32 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 IAD? We'll brief you.
Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.
Know someone flying soon?
Send them the link — delay data, TSA waits, weather, all free.
Data last updated August 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.