IAD (Washington) to SFO (San Francisco) flights arrive on time 79% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 80%. The average delay is 70 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated October 2026.IAD → SFO
IAD (Washington) to SFO (San Francisco)
IAD → SFO on-time performance by month
24
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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Worse
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This route is on time most of the time. About 79% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Accurate?
United Airlines edges out Alaska Airlines on this route — 80% vs 72% on time.
Airline Comparison
United Airlines leads at 80% on time; Alaska Airlines trails at 72%.
Accurate?
Good to know
Departing from IAD
82% on timeExpect ~20 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. IAD 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 ~27 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 October 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.